Cinda Mahorney, daughter of former jockey and trainer Bill Mahorney, has earned her first training victory with 20-1 shot Lucky Gotum, who got up in the final strides at Golden Gate Fields to win the seventh race May 17 by a half-length.
Lucky Gotum ($43.80) was the 16th starter for Mahorney, who was still on cloud nine the following morning.
"I'm really good...really happy," said Mahorney, who was on her way to visit her father and show him a replay of Lucky Gotum's come-from-behind victory.
Bill Mahorney, who rode with great success in the 1960s and 1970s, suffered a stroke several years ago and lives in a rehabilitation/nursing home facility in Antioch.
"It was just a great day," said Cinda Mahorney, reflecting on Saturday. "It was a really exciting race. And the horse named for my father ran really well too."
Mahorney was referring to the 2-year-old gelding Mahorney, who made his career debut in the second race, a 4 1/2-furlong maiden allowance dash, and finished second.
Mahorney races for his breeder, Martin W. Bach, and is trained by William E. Morey. Mahorney is out of the dam Marty's Zee, a stakes winner that Bill Mahorney trained for Bach.
Lucky Gotum, a 6-year-old making his eighth lifetime start, won in his second try for Mahorney. The gelding has been owned throughout his career by Kevin and Kirk Brent and Greg McWilliams.
"I was so happy for the owners," said Cinda Mahorney. "I really appreciate them giving me a chance. They've really supported me."
Lucky Gotum was ridden by Pedro Flores in the six-furlong race for $4,000 claimers.
Training is just one of many endeavors for Cinda Mahorney, who owns a dog grooming business (Shear Magic by Cinda in Pleasanton). She also owns and operates Winning Start Race Farm in Knightsen (a small farming community in Contra Costa County). She saddled her first runner in February 2012 at Santa Anita Park. Lucky Gotum was her fifth starter of 2014.
