Fine Dane winning at The Valley (Image: Racing Photos)
Jockey Patrick Moloney visited The Valley for one ride and left victorious and considerably delighted due to his success aboard Fine Dane, who is trained by his uncle John Moloney.
Fine Dane ($4.20) raced outside the lead in the five-horse $120,000 Strathmore Community Bendigo Bank Handicap (955m) before breaking clear to win by 1.5 lengths.
"There's no better pleasure in racing than winning for family," Moloney said.
"John and the team and my Dad (Gerard), they do a lot of work (as trainers), a lot of hard yards and are very hands on.
"For them to get a reward on Cox Plate Day is very satisfying."
WATCH: Fine Dane's win
Patrick Moloney is at a difficult junction in his career. He was stable rider for Michael Moroney but is no longer first choice for the Flemington yard. Moloney rode briefly in Singapore during 2019 and appears open to a longer-term stint there in the future.
Moloney's victory aboard Fine Dane was just his third Melbourne winner this year, all having come at The Valley, with his previous success coming aboard Vengeur Masque in the Listed Torney Night Cup (2500m) on February 15.
The James Cummings-trained Esperance ($1.90 favourite) finished second, with Kerrin McEvoy believing the horse didn't handle The Valley circuit but did his best work through the line.
"I'm sure there will be a nice 1000 or 1100-metre race at Flemington for him during Melbourne Cup Week," McEvoy said.