DARRYL Moore saddled his first winner as a licensed trainer when Golden Pheasant (5-1) posted a workmanlike success in a MR72 Handicap over 1400m at Greyville on Sunday, 14 October.
Golden Pheasant, by Antonius Pius, races for Nigel Riley’s Heversham Park Farm in partnership with Fred Brons, and was ridden by Stuart Randolph.
The win came a few weeks after Moore’s grandfather Ivan, the seasoned veteran, retired and fully handed over to Darryl, who will celebrate his 30th birthday on Wednesday.
Moore told Turf Talk: “I saddled several winners alongside my grandfather but yes, this was more exciting. It’s even better when you’re on your own.”
Moore, the son of National Jockeys Academy Master Robert Moore, has 20 horses stables at Summerveld and he said: “It’s hard, but 20 horses is a start. One needs at least 30 or 35 runners to be competitive. But it is what I want to do and I am giving it my best.”
Of the 20 horses, eight are two-year-olds and Moore said: “We have a few more coming in, in the next few months, but what we have looks promising for later this season. I’ve had no new owners come knocking, we all need them, and we’re always hoping that one of the bigger owners will notice young trainers and offer some support.”
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in racing, Moore spent seven years as an assistant to Charles Laird at Randjesfontein and later at Clairwood, before joining his grandfather. Golden Pheasant, Unbelieveable Lad and the stayer Ballymaine are his best older horses flying the flag.