On January 1, 2026, Glen Gascoyne experienced a long-awaited victory at Hanging Rock Racecourse as his horse, Mahogwise Honour, clinched the win in the Midland Express Maiden Plate. After facing disappointments in previous attempts, Gascoyne’s luck finally turned, showcasing the potential of his four-year-old gelding.
Prior to this race, Gascoyne had only taken two horses to compete at Hanging Rock. Both experiences ended in frustration: one meeting was cancelled due to kangaroos on the track, while another was abandoned because of an undetected hole in the home straight. Gascoyne’s persistence paid off when Mahogwise Honour, previously unplaced at 100-1 odds in a race at Tatura, surged from behind to secure an unexpected victory.
Stepping up from 1450 meters to 1800 meters in this race was a gamble. Nevertheless, Mahogwise Honour demonstrated remarkable stamina and determination. Under the guidance of jockey Chelsea Taylor, he overcame the odds to defeat Dali’s Picasso by a length, leaving the odds-on favourite, Phantom’s Choice, to finish in third place.
Gascoyne, who also enjoys lawn bowling in Kyneton, has a history with both trotters and gallopers. He expressed enthusiasm for breeding a standout galloper in the future while currently managing just two horses in training. He hopes that Mahogwise Honour can replicate this winning form in upcoming races.
With this victory, Gascoyne not only celebrated his first win at Hanging Rock but also became the only trainer from the district to achieve a win at the event. As he looks forward to future races, Gascoyne’s determination and passion for horse racing continue to drive his ambitions in the sport.
