Michael Moroney, trainer of 2000 Melbourne Cup winner Brew, dies after cancer battle

He was hospitalised for up to three months and only returned to his Flemington stables, alongside co-trainer, Glen Thompson, in the lead-up to last year’s spring carnival.

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He had been a regular at race meetings until five days ago, when he was at Caulfield racecourse watching his mare Coeur Volante win the Mannerism Stakes by four lengths for a host of loyal owners, including long-time backer Rupert Legh.

Moroney did a radio interview on RSN on Monday morning after Coeur Volante’s win in which he credited his staff for getting behind him during his ongoing health battles.

“We are happy with where we are at with what has gone on with us for the last 12 months,” he said.

“We’ve just had to reevaluate things and go along, and at this stage things are going really well for what we have got racing, and I’m pretty sure we’ve got some nice ones coming through. It has been a real team and family effort.”

Throughout his decorated training career, which started in New Zealand in 1981, Moroney won a host of group 1 races, including two VRC Derbys, and the Blue Diamond with True Jewels in 2001.

He moved to South Australia in 1999 before setting up base at Flemington’s Chicquita Lodge.

His Melbourne Cup-winning gelding Brew, who wore the No.24 saddle cloth and jumped from barrier 24, carried Moroney’s signature silks – blue with black sleeves. Moroney also finished third in the same race with Second Coming.

Moroney’s brother, renowned bloodstock consultant Paul, posted an emotional tribute on social media.

“Rest in peace brother. You left us too soon,” he wrote on Facebook.

“I will never forget the bond and times we had as brothers both in life and our chosen passion and professions. Love you forever.”

His sister, Sue Moroney, wrote that he was brave and determined until the end.

“You have given our family immeasurable joy over the years – not only with your stupid humour but your love of family events and regular trips back home [to New Zealand],” she said.

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“I will be forever grateful that we got to spend a precious week with you and [partner] Karen in Melbourne last month.”

Moroney’s Ballymore Stables also released a statement, saying the trainer “not only had a special knack with horses, but with people”.

“He was loved and respected by his staff, his owners, his beloved partner Karen and his family,” the statement said.

“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.”

Ballymore Stables will continue with normal racing operations under the guidance of Thompson and Anthony Feroce.

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