The top Victorian trainer claimed the $6000-to-win GRV VBIS Maiden Final (450m) with Autoamerican on Saturday night at Warrnambool's Seaside Carnival.
Starting out of box eight, the $1.70 favourite had to work hard for its victory.
He was forced to chase down Dino Ferrari ($5.00), eventually snatching the lead towards the end of the straight to record a one-and-three-quarter length triumph.
Cranbourne's McDonald hoped there was a bright future for his runner.
"He's got very good potential but potential is a dangerous word," he said post-race.
"I'd rather let the dog do the talking."
McDonald, who has no immediate plans for Autoamerican, appreciated the chance to take his young pup to Warrnambool.
"He's in the Warrnambool Classic later this year, that's one of the reasons I came down here, so he could see the track," he said.
A trip to Warrnambool is also a homecoming for the champion trainer as it used to be his home until about 20 years ago.
"It's always good to come back home and try and win a race," he said.
"I've got a lot of friends down here too, so it's good to catch up with them."
Autoamerican, the son of McDonald's superstar sprinter
Brett Lee, clocked in at 25.46 on Saturday night.
"He found a little bit of trouble but he's still learning the trade," McDonald said of the run.
"It was just good the way he was able to recover after being on (Dino Ferrari's) heels.
"Let's hope this dog can go onto bigger and better things."
Third in the final went to Talk the Talk ($23.80), trained by Anakie's Jeff Britton.
The annual Seaside Carnival, which consists of nine meetings in 20 days, has one meeting left.
It will be held next Saturday and includes the $3000-to-win WGOTBA Stayers Cup (650m), along with several other finals.
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