Trans-Tasman trainer Michael Moroney caused one of the biggest upsets in Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) history when Roch ‘N’ Horse took out the Flemington feature two years ago as a $101 outsider, and now his son-in-law Chad Ormsby is hoping to replicate that feat.
Ormsby is over in Melbourne on a hit-and-run mission with his exciting sprinter Master Fay, who has made a remarkable comeback following a three-year hiatus from racing.
Purchased as a yearling by Ormsby under his Riverrock Farm banner, Master Fay was subsequently sold to Hong Kong as a juvenile where he had one start for one win before returning to New Zealand and the care of Ormsby.
“He was one that we purchased as a yearling and then sold on after a trial win and went up to Hong Kong,” Ormsby told Racing.com.
“He had one start up there and was an impressive winner. For some reason, I think soundness issues, he didn’t race for a few years and then I managed to get him back home to retire.”
Master Fay’s enthusiasm in the paddock enticed Ormsby to try Master Fay on the racetrack once more and he has been a revelation for the Matamata horseman, winning impressively first-up at Tauranga in January before heading to Ellerslie a fortnight later where he took out the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) in emphatic style.
“He acts like a bit of a young two-year-old, so when you look out the window and you see him running around like a bit of a clown, he was keen to do something as well, so it all worked out well,” Ormsby said.
Orsmby has always had a high opinion of the now six-year-old, and the feats of Roch ‘N’ Horse in the race Newmarket Handicap two years ago spurred his decision to cross the Tasman with his charge.
“That made it a little bit more encouraging, off the back of Roch ‘N’ Horse, seeing it can be done,” Ormsby said.
“She was a very, very good horse, right up there with the best of them. We’re hoping that we can emulate that and go along those lines.
“It’s all new territory for us and the horse, he’s only going to have his fourth start, so it’s a big ask.”
Master Fay had his first look at Flemington last Friday where he pleased in his jump-out under jockey Craig Newitt.
“It was really nice,” Ormsby said. “Craig Newitt, who rode him, gave him a good, glowing report shortly after. He looked keen, he was willing to get on with the job.
“It’s one (run) at this stage. He seemed to settle in really well and he’s enjoying his time here, so we may push on a little bit afterwards. It just comes down to him and his condition. It’s only his first prep back after having three years off. I think there’s more in store down the future.”
