Michael Jones' first starter as a trainer on his hometown Cup day wasn't a winner, but it was an encouraging start.
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The former Catholic College Bendigo student saddled up first-starter Fergus Magergus in the opening event on Cup day.
The son of Lonhro ran strongly to finish third behind Winning Partner.
"I had one other slow horse who had a few starts, but this is my first runner at Bendigo, so it was pretty exciting,'' Jones said.
Jones, who is now based at Kyneton, only took out his training licence three months ago.
"I was working with Mick Sell, but once Mick left Kyneton I decided to get my own license,'' Jones said.
"I learned heaps off Mick, so it's been great to get started."
Fergus Magergus did Jones and his connections proud on debut.
"He needs 1400m, so I was a bit worried they'd be too quick for him today (over 1100m),'' Jones said.
"It was an enormous run and he worked to the line really well. We'll find another maide for him somewhere. I have him and an unraced three-year-old that will step out in the next fortnight or so."
