Michael Moroney said his life was never the same after he won the 2000 Melbourne Cup.
The Flemington-based Kiwi trainer, who died in his sleep on Thursday morning, became instantly recognisable in racing circles around the world after his stayer Brew captured Australia’s greatest race on the first Tuesday in November.
Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mike Moroney.Credit: Getty Images
“When you go overseas, or no matter where you go, you’re known as winning a Melbourne Cup,” Moroney said during a 2023 interview. “That’s the sort of race it is.
“Our grandparents bred one [Hi Jinx won in 1960], and so from the time we were old enough to talk and walk, we were brought up on the Melbourne Cup.”
Michael Moroney with Melbourne Cup winner Brew, left, and third-place getter Second Coming.
Moroney started dreaming early of winning the 3200m Cup for himself, and had an eerie premonition a few years before taking out the 2000 edition.
“I’d dreamed that I trained the Melbourne Cup winner – and I dreamed it was Brew,” Moroney said.
“I remember telling my wife that I’d dreamed that I won by two lengths with Brew who was No.24. My wife said, ‘Who is Brew?’ My dream didn’t make sense then though because at the time Brew was a three-year-old in work with Paul O’Sullivan, a trainer in Sydney.”
Moroney’s Ballymore Stables announced that he had died after a short battle with cancer. He initially stepped away from his Ballymore Stables training operation in April last year when he was admitted to hospital with lung and breathing issues and placed in a coma for 14 days.
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.
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.
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.
Mike Moroney and his brother Paul with 2000 Cup winner Brew.Credit: Sebastian Costanzo
“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.
“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.
