The recent Flemington Races were imbued with a wave of emotion, as attendees grappled with the passing of esteemed horse trainer Mike Moroney. Just two days after his death, Pam Gerard, Moroney’s former training partner, prepared to lead her promising three-year-old, Savaglee, in the A$1 million Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m). This race held special significance, not only for its high stakes but also as Moroney had termed Flemington his home for the past two decades.
Gerard sat down to reflect on their decade-long partnership, during which they recorded 178 wins together. Among their shared successes was the notable Roch ‘N’ Horse, who had triumphed at Flemington, securing wins at both the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap and Champions Sprint. "It’s a huge loss," Gerard said of Moroney. "He was a fantastic man and I was so lucky to work alongside him. I’m going to miss him a lot." This heartfelt statement was echoed throughout the racing community as jockeys, trainers, and fans mourned the loss of the 66-year-old who passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Gerard had assumed sole ownership of Ballymore Stables’ New Zealand operations after Moroney stepped back to focus on his health and Australian ambitions. Yet, their collaborative spirit persisted right until the end, as they planned for Savaglee’s debut at Flemington. Savaglee, who had dominated New Zealand's three-year-old races, arrived at Flemington ready to make his mark. With victories including the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas and the Group 2 Levin Classic, Gerard had high hopes leading up to the Guineas.
"I’d love to see Savaglee run a really big race in Mike’s honor," she stated, demonstrating the emotional ties linking the horse and the memory of her mentor. Savaglee had shown great potential, winning five of his seven starts this season, and had recently placed third against older horses at the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint. "He seems to have handled the trip across really well," she shared after Savaglee’s flight to Melbourne, highlighting the horse's adaptability to travel.
With Savaglee’s performance anticipated on the expansive grounds of Flemington, Gerard expressed confidence, stating, "I think going back up to 1600m is going to be ideal for him too." Savaglee’s jockey, expat Kiwi Michael Dee, was poised for the opportunity; having trained alongside Gerard, he understood the weight of the moment. Savaglee was rated as one of the potential contenders, priced at $13, competing against frontrunners like Angel Capital and Sepals.
Gerard's commitment to honoring Moroney extended beyond Savaglee’s race, as she prepared other contenders on New Zealand turf for competition. Harlech was set to clock in at the Group 3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m), and Dubai Gold was on the roster for the Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Trentham the following day. "It’s great to see Harlech still racing so well," she remarked, denoting her pride and excitement for her horses as they raced in honor of Moroney’s legacy.
Meanwhile, another horse, El Morzillo, captured attention at the Flemington track as the new favorite for the Inglis Sprint (1200m), with odds listed at $4.40 and piloted by accomplished jockey Craig Williams. After displaying impressive performance at Doomben, El Morzillo appeared strong, filling the betting sheets alongside fierce competitors like Reserve Bank priced at $5 and Daggers situated at $6.50.
The nerve-wracking anticipation hung heavily around the track as Moroney's legacy intertwined with the very fabric of the day’s events. Gerard’s poignant balance of grief and hope set the tone for the races, demonstrating how the close-knit world of horse racing can unite both triumph and loss.
Reflecting on Moroney’s dedication to the sport, Gerard announced, "We were super proud of what he achieved," as she prepared for the Guineas. The decision to race Savaglee was not made lightly—there were strong rivals back home, but they aimed at pushing the colt to achieve his fullest potential as he simultaneously approached stallion status. This race at Flemington marked another step toward fulfilling Moroney's dreams for Savaglee.
At the heart of the races, as Savaglee galloped forward, it became clear to all present at Flemington: the spirit of Mike Moroney would live on through each hooves’ beat, echoing the bond of partnership and competitive spirit he instilled across his lifetime.
With these shared memories encapsulated within the day’s events, horse racing carries on at its essence—keeping legacies alive and inspiring the next generation of trainers, riders, and fans alike.