Racing: Business comes first for in-form Moloney

Aussie Patrick Moloney will ride at Ellerslie today. Photo / Darryl Sherer

High-flying Australian jockey Patrick Moloney didn't hesitate to delay a holiday to make his first working trip to New Zealand.

The 23-year-old has answered a call from Michael Moroney to ride runners from the transtasman trainer's Matamata base, which he operates with Pam Gerard, at Ellerslie today.

"I'm stable rider for Mike in Melbourne and basically I have been for the last year and a-half to two years," Moloney said.

"I was going to go on holiday and then Mike said to me that Jake [Bayliss] had been suspended and would I go over and ride a few? I said yes straight away, no dramas.

At Ellerslie, he will partner On The Rocks in the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial (1500m) and has picked up outside rides on Sweet Leader (race one), Tattybogler (race two), Secret Stash (race six) and Tourmaline (race eight).

"It will be a good learning experience no matter what happens.

"I'll be back home after Saturday and then go on holiday. I was going to Bali, but with the volcano erupting I might have to change destination."

Moloney has been in great recent form and rode three winners during the Melbourne Cup carnival, including the Moroney-trained Vengeur Masque in the group three Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m).

Last Saturday, he also guided the Robert Smerdon-prepared Grand Dreamer to victory in the Listed Ballarat Cup (2200m).

"I've had a really good spring and to get three winners during Cup week at Flemington was great," Moloney said.

"I couldn't be happier with the way things are going since I started in the senior ranks."

Moloney has a career tally of 349 winners with his mounts earning nearly A$13.5 million.

- NZ Racing Desk