Moroney looking for second Melbourne Cup

Ten years after the success of Brew in the Melbourne Cup, trainer Michael Moroney is hopeful of picking up a second Melbourne Cup – and perhaps his first Caulfield Cup along the way.

Moroney has VRC Derby winner Monaco Consul and dual Sydney Cup runner up Divine Rebel heading towards the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

Racing manager for Ballymore Stables, Anthony Feroce, told Just Horse Racing that plans had not been made for lead up races to the Cups.

However, Monaco Consul will be resuming in Melbourne – most likely in the Liston Stakes (1400m) on August 14.

Monaco Consul impressed racegoers with a dominant victory in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick last October, before recording a dour win in the Victoria Derby (2500m).

In the autumn, the High Chaparral colt seemed to lose form but a return to Australia saw him record two Group 1 thirds, in the AJC Derby (2400m) and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

His dour runs in the VRC and AJC Derbies suggests that the 3200m of the Melbourne Cup should prove no issue to the galloper.

Divine Rebel showed her liking for 3200m with her second consecutive placing in the Sydney Cup in April. She was second to the John O’Shea trained Jessicabeel.

In 2009, she was second to Melbourne galloper Ista Kareem.

Moroney’s smart mare Marheta, second in this year’s Queensland Oaks, will be kept to mares races and will target the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) on Derby Day.

Written by Andrew Hawkins

Hours before the first 10 horses into the 2022 All-Star Mile field are announced, Michael Moroney is plotting the path for an entrant from left field. 

Moroney is the new trainer of Bankers Choice, a rapid improver who has won five of his past six starts in New Zealand for Cambridge-based trainer Stephen Marsh. 

"The owners have retained a share in him but we've bought the majority of him, we have bought him mainly for Australians but there was 20 per cent sold to New Zealanders as well," Moroney said. 

Bankers Choice will fly into Melbourne on Wednesday, February 23, with Moroney anticipating his Australian debut days later.

"Stephen Marsh will look after him until then (the flight) and send him over and then I'll give him one gallop and then probably run him because I'm keen on running him in the Blamey Stakes, which is a ticket into The All-Star Mile," Moroney said. 

The $300,000 G2 TAB Blamey Stakes (1600m) will be held at Flemington on March 5, two weeks before the $5m All-Star Mile over the same course.

All is not lost for Moroney and connections if Bankers Choice can't force his way into The All-Star Mile field at late notice.

"I would think the Doncaster Mile would fit him as well because that race is a handicap as opposed to The All-Star Mile, which is weight-for-age," Moroney said.

Ross and Corrine Kearney bred and raced Bankers Choice under their Okaharau Station banner and their four-year-old gelding had attracted plenty of interest from Australian buyers prior to the deal being struck with Moroney and stable clients. 

Bankers Choice is from the first crop of Windsor Park Stud stallion Mongolian Khan and became the first Stakes winner for the Caulfield Cup and multiple Derby winner in claiming last month's G3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) at Trentham. 

The runner-up in the Anniversary Handicap on January 15 was Coventina Bay, who then won at G1 level for the first time in last Saturday's NZ$400,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). 

"Since we bought that form has been franked with Covertina Bay doing what she did. I know that he (Bankers Choice) had a fair pull in the weights (7kg) against Covertina Bay but she ran Avantage to within a neck last autumn, so she's well up to what we've seen in Australia, we've got a guide on that form," Moroney said.

"Bankers Choice beat two very good horses at Te Rapa (three starts ago), which included one of ours (Dragon Queen), which came out and won a Group 2 two starts later. 

"I think his formlines are strong, he looks a really nice horse, very promising and a good addition to the stable."

Moroney 'making good progress'

Tributes have flowed for champion trainer Mike Moroney following his sudden death on Thursday.

The New Zealand native was remembered as a 'wonderful father and very proud grandfather' in a statement released by Ballymore Stables confirming Moroney's passing.

"One of the stalwarts of New Zealand and Victorian racing, Michael not only had a special knack with horses, but with people," the statement read.

"He was loved and respected by his staff, his owners, his beloved partner Karen and his family. He will be remembered for his kindness, his willingness to share his time, expertise and his passion for the sport of horse racing.

"He was a wonderful father and very proud grandfather, a member of a tight-knit family and circle of friends. He was a much-loved member of the racing community and an outstanding conditioner of horses with a host of Group 1 wins, premierships and well-deserved awards.

"It is fitting that Ballymore's base has been Chicquita Lodge; it is part of the fabric of Melbourne racing history as is Michael with the stable's blue, black and red silks carried to victory in so many major races.

"Michael's family thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. Ballymore Stables will continue with normal racing operations under the expert guidance of Glen Thompson and Anthony Feroce."

Moroney's brother and respected bloodstock agent Paul said: "Rest in peace brother. You left us too soon. I will never forget the bond and times we had as brothers both in life and our chosen passion and professions. Love you forever."

Country Racing Victory and the Australian Trainers’ Association also both released statements mourning Moroney.

“The ATA is deeply saddened to hear the passing of Mike Moroney. Not only a brilliant horse trainer, but he an incredible person who was willing to help others out at any time. Mike made a lasting impact and will be sadly missed to racing. Our thoughts go out to his family,” the ATA statement read.

Former legendary race caller Bryan Martin said: "Good man, elite trainer. Very sadly missed, condolences to his family and friends."

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Gai Waterhouse said: "With great sadness, Adrian and I send our condolences to the family of the late Mike Moroney, who passed away today. A great man and trainer loved by all."

Leading jockey Jamie Melham said: "He was a fantastic trainer and person and an absolute gentleman."

The Melbourne Racing Club said: “Today, we've lost one of our sport's finest ambassadors. Our thoughts are with Michael's family and friends”.