McNab for low-key debut at the Gold Coast

Group One-winning New Zealand jockey Michael McNab is expected to make a low-key debut in Queensland at the Gold Coast.

McNab, 32, is trialling as stable jockey for premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller, working out of his Gold Coast operation, where he has linked with his friend and stable manager Paul Shailer.

He rode at the Gold Coast trials on Tuesday and expects to have his first Queensland ride at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

McNab is in the top 10 New Zealand jockeys with 51 winners this season, including seven stakes victories.

He has ridden for some of New Zealand’s biggest stables, including Te Akau, Tony Pike, Nigel Tiley, Graham Richardson and Michael Pitman.

“Michael and I go back a long way and he rode for me in New Zealand. I even managed him for a while and he is a very good rider,” Shailer said.