Sport
24 June, 2025
Former jockey enjoys success in the McKinlay Cup
Aaron Spradau was the joint owner of this year's McKinlay Cup winner, Hang Five.
Aaron Spradau was once among the best bush jockeys in the state.
Now, the retired hoop is helping put the finishing touch on tried horses making their way to the North West.
With his partner, Julia Creek-based trainer Tanya Parry, Spradau is getting results as both an owner and a stablehand.
On Saturday, he tasted success in the $30,000 McKinlay Cup with Hang Five ($5), a $6500 purchase just 70 days ago.
The race, which also doubled as the final of the Outback Racing Showcase series, added $20,550 to the coffers, taking Hang Five’s earnings to $30,910 since arriving from the stables of Matt Hoysted in Brisbane.
“It was a good win,” Spradau said of the five-year-old’s ability to lead all of the way at McKinlay.
“He got taken on in the race and he was taking short strides in the end, but he got there. We purchased him with these races in mind.”
Despite a win and a couple of placings prior to Saturday’s win, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Hang Five since arriving in the North West.
One of the top fancies in the Burke Shire Cup at Gregory, Hang Five lost his rider shortly after the jump – apprentice Kayla Barker became unbalanced as the gelding exited the barriers awkwardly.
Then in this month’s Mount Isa Cup, Hang Five didn’t appreciate the slow tempo as Denicious Smith restrained him in front.
“Before we bought him, I watched a few videos and he was a front-running and free-rolling type,” Spradau said.
“He will get to the front but you can’t hold him back to the field.”
Micheal McDonald rode him perfectly on Saturday to claim the 1500m feature event.
It was a big day for the hoop, who also produced the win of the day aboard the Shryn Royes-trained Exolent Choice.
Sent out as a short-priced favourite, the former NSW galloper missed the start in the 1000m sprint, giving his rivals a significant advantage.
However, McDonald didn’t panic and quickly circled the field to come around them in the blink of an eye before winning by just over a length.
Four trainers tasted success at the iconic Outback track, with Parry and Royes claiming doubles.
Brett Cavanough enjoyed a win, as did Denise Ballard.
Mount Isa-based jockey Nor Yadi had just won ride in his return from injury and produced a pearler on Panda Drum for Ballard.
The $12 shot appreciated the firmer surface at McKinlay and raced away to win the 0-55 Handicap over 1500m.