Ab Macdonald

Albert "Ab" Macdonald, often McDonald, was a South Australian horse trainer.
Among the horses he trained were winners of the Adelaide Cup, VRC Oaks, AJC Oaks and SA Derby.

History

Macdonald was born in Orroroo, South Australia, one of six sons of George Alexander Macdonald and Annie Macdonald, née McMahon, who married in 1884.
At age 14 Macdonald left for Queensland, droving cattle between there and the Northern Territory.
His father was a noted jockey and trainer in a district known for its contribution to thoroughbred racing, and when he died the son returned to take over his stables.
He first came to public attention at the Orroroo races of February 1922, when he trained and rode three winning horses, one being over hurdles.
He had successes in country meetings with Mambray Lord, who also took third place in the 1923 Adelaide Cup.
In 1927, after some success with Ailerue, a sprinter who won eight races in a year, he set up as a public trainer with stables at Moore Street, Somerton, and cemented his reputation with Silent March, who, ridden by Harry Walsh, won the 1940 SAJC St Leger and the Birthday Cup.
He had successes with Mollymawk, My Saint, Terebooka, Wynall Twain, Irrappatana, Unification, Present, Miss Rosa, Dell Fire, Cesariona, Alwyne King, Rose Glen, Lord Traquair, Molly Pistol, King Frederick, Explore, Sieraetus, Hieration, Boonah Boy, Whyalpa, Indian Seal, Baryta, Gay Boy, Wongyarra, and a great number of others. Later successes were Aldershot, Farmer's Daughter,, Tasman Pride, Shako, Balloch Gold and Axinite.
In 1938 on the second day of the Port Augusta carnival, three of his horses, Royal Pilgrim, Mooloogan, and Malolo took the first three races.
In the 1950 Clarendon Handicap, the Macdonald brothers took first and second places with Peter Pim and Dark Banner, also siblings, having been sired by Powerscourt.

Recognition

Macdonald was in 2015 inducted into the Thoroughbred Racing SA Hall of Fame.

Personal

Records of a marriage or children have not been found. His home address in 1962 was 13 Moore Street, Somerton Park.
Brothers George, Frank and Dave were also trainers. as was nephew Leon Macdonald, who in 1977 took over his uncle George Macdonald's stables in Morphettville.