Vale Mike Moroney
It is with great sadness that Racing Victoria (RV) and the Australian Trainers Association (ATA) acknowledge the passing of Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mike Moroney in his sleep this morning aged 66.
A registered trainer for 45 years, Moroney built the foundations of an illustrious career in his homeland of New Zealand before expanding to Australia in 1999.
The following year he scaled the greatest of heights when preparing Brew to win the 2000 Melbourne Cup – one of 55 Group 1 victories throughout his career.
Moroney started out in the industry at age 16 under the guidance of New Zealand trainer Dave O’Sullivan, later becoming his foreman and then training partner. In 1981-1982, he took out his own training license, spending the next 18 years honing his craft in New Zealand.
His move to Australia in 1999 saw him initially set up his training base in South Australia at Morphettville before relocating to Flemington, where he has maintained a training base ever since.
Moroney claimed his first Group 1 win with Imperial Angel in the 1985 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and his first in Australia, the 1989 South Australian Oaks, with Heavenly Body.
He would go on to train two Victoria Derby winners – Second Coming (1997) and Monaco Consul (2009) – and three New Zealand Derby winners – Great Command (1996), Cut The Cake (2003) and Xcellent (2004).
Moroney’s other notable Australian Group 1 wins include the 2001 Blue Diamond Stakes with True Jewels, 2010 VRC Oaks with Brazilian Pulse, the 2008 and 2021 Stradbroke Handicaps with Mr Baritone and Tofane respectively, and the 2022 Darley Champions Sprint and Newmarket Handicap with Roch ‘N’ Horse.
Among his many industry achievements, Moroney was inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2023, claimed two New Zealand training premierships with 16 top-five finishes, and won the prestigious Fred Hoysted Award for training excellence in Victoria in just his third full season in the state.
His last winner came courtesy of Bancory Bay yesterday at Sportsbet-Sandown following a successful weekend at Caulfield where he took out the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes with Coeur Volante.
RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, said: “On behalf of the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family, friends and colleagues following the terrible news of his passing.
“In particular our thoughts go out to Mike’s partner Karen, his co-trainer Glen Thompson, his long-time Racing Manager Anthony Feroce, and his stable staff at Flemington who have supported Mike through his health battles over the past year.
“Mike’s contribution to racing was immense, both here in Victoria and in his homeland of New Zealand. His skill as a trainer is reflected in his amazing achievements and his contribution to the career of others is lauded.
“Mike was popular and respected among his training colleagues and those who had the pleasure of enjoying his company, be at trackwork or celebrating a feature win, always speak glowingly of the experience and his character.”
ATA President, Robbie Griffiths, said: “The ATA is deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Not only was he a brilliant horse trainer, but he was also an incredible person who was willing to help others out at any time.
“Mike made a lasting impact in the horse racing community and will be sadly missed to racing. Our thoughts go out to his family and staff.”