His father was a noted jockey and trainer in a district known for its contribution to thoroughbred racing, and when he died the son returned to take over his stables.
In 1927, after some success with Ailerue, a sprinter who won eight races in a year, he set up as a public trainer with stables at Moore Street, Somerton, and cemented his reputation with Silent March, who, ridden by Harry Walsh, won the 1940 SAJC St Leger and the Birthday Cup.
[5] He had successes with Mollymawk, My Saint, Terebooka, Wynall Twain, Irrappatana, Unification, Present, Miss Rosa, Dell Fire, Cesariona, Alwyne King, Rose Glen, Lord Traquair, Molly Pistol, King Frederick, Explore, Sieraetus, Hieration, Boonah Boy, Whyalpa, Indian Seal, Baryta (dam of Wynall, Hilarity and Alkali), Gay Boy, Wongyarra, and a great number of others.
In 1938 on the second day of the Port Augusta carnival, three of his horses, Royal Pilgrim, Mooloogan, and Malolo took the first three races.
In the 1950 Clarendon Handicap, the Macdonald brothers took first and second places with Peter Pim and Dark Banner, also siblings, having been sired by Powerscourt.