McGovern confident Mind Over Matter can bounce back in Townsville Lightning

By Glenn Davis

Mind Over Matter’s unbeaten streak in north Queensland came to end at Mackay last start but trainer Terry McGovern is hoping it’s only a blip.

Formerly trained in Sydney by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Mind Over Matter strung five wins together after landing in McGovern’s Townsville stables late last year.

However, Mind Over Matter blotted his copybook at his last appearance when he finished fourth, beaten less than two lengths, by the Trevor and Peter Rowe-trained Aspen Cowboy in a 1300-metre Three-Year-Old race at Mackay on July 17.

It was the first time McGovern had ventured outside Townsville with the son of Written By, whose previous five consecutive wins were all at Cluden Park.

Mind Over Matter returns to his favourite track when he starts in the Lightning Handicap over 1000 metres in Townsville on Saturday.

“I stretched him out to 1300 metres last time and it was a little too far for him,” said the 45-year-old former rodeo rider.

“I think he’s more a 1000 to 1200 metre horse that’s why I’ve dropped him back in distance.

“The way he’s been working and with his lightweight he should be very competitive.”

McGovern is a farrier by trade but still carries the scars of his rodeo days before he decided to take up training five years ago.

“I used to ride bulls and I carry the scars to this day,” McGovern said.

“I’ve broken both legs three times, broken my collar bone and left arm and ribs and had surgery on both knees."

McGovern trains a team of 10 at his 100-acre property at Black River, just north of Townsville.

“I bought Black River about three years and it’s been a good move,” McGovern said.

His facilities include a 1200 metre training track, a 60-metre swimming pool, a walker and 24 spelling paddocks.

McGovern’s farrier experience has been part of Mind Over Matter’s rejuvenation since he was bought for $15,000 on-line.

“He had a few issues with his feet down south so I didn’t race him for six months after I got him and fixed his feet and gelded him before he had his first run here,” McGovern said.

McGovern has booked apprentice Amy Graham to partner Mind Over Matter after his regular rider Sean Cormack had a prior commitment.

“I’m a bit disappointed Sean’s not riding him but Amy claims three kilos so he’ll get in with only 51 kgs,” he said.

“He’s the only four-year-old in the race and he’ll be very competitive.”