Around three years ago Central Queensland’s Dane McKinnon walked away from a steady career as an engineer to chase his passion in life.

Trainer Kristie Clark-Peoples is hoping to keep the Longreach Cup in the family name and celebrate a belated birthday with a two-pronged attack in the Central West feature on Saturday.

A ‘nice and quiet trial’ aboard veteran gelding Class Of Royalty has rookie apprentice hoop McKenzie Apel feeling confident ahead of her debut race ride.

Teenager Nikki Olzard believes years of guidance under former top provincial hoop Adrian Coome has readied her for her own riding journey.