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2022 11 17

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Moonee Valley Racing Club respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land – the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation – and pays our respects to its Elders past, present, and emerging.

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Frisky Fission eyes Valley mission this Friday night

When Matthew De Kock, son of 133-time Group 1-winning South African trainer Mike De Kock ventured to Australia with his family for a new career, he searched far and wide to find what he thought was the best training complex in the country. Still finding his way down under, he wanted to give himself the best opportunity to try and get his foot in the sizeable Australian Racing door.&nbsp; He settled on the Cranbourne Turf Club as the pick of the facilities, and upon coming to that conclusion he asked Cranbourne Racing Club CEO Neil Bainbridge who was the best Cranbourne trainer, to which Neil replied “Robbie Griffiths.” Griffiths took De Kock on board and it didn’t take long for the Group 1 winning trainer to learn that his co-trainer to be had serious talent, much like his father. In the Spring of 2020, they officially joined forces and they haven’t looked back since.&nbsp; Almost exactly a year ago they landed their biggest win together in their hometown Cup. Stable star King Magnus thrived in the heavy conditions to take out the $500,000 Cranbourne feature, a special victory that was made all the more special by virtue of the fact it was still their first year together. Another year passes, and this week they will saddle up two-time winning sprinter Fission, and while he doesn’t have a seat at the King’s table just yet – he still has untapped ability which the stable are still learning about on a week to week basis. The son of freakish juvenile colt Russian Revolution made a winning debut at Bendigo, but despite his good deeds on the track, it was his antics off it that warranted the stable to quickly defer to the ultimate gear change. “He’s a very talented galloper so we were loathed to geld him, as were the owners,” Griffiths and De Kock’s Racing Manager Corey Smith said.&nbsp; “But they supported the decision of the boys to do that after his third placing at Moonee Valley. “We thought that he probably would have won that race if he didn’t run two or three races before he got onto the track. He was a real handful for our strapper Scottie and was playing up a lot.” Post gelding, Fission won two jump outs impressively and came to The Valley on Manikato Stakes night to tackle the three-year-old sprint. He won impressively on racenight too, but the most astonishing thing of his performance was how he still managed to win despite the events that took place in the lead up. “We had to be there three hours before the race (being a Group 1 night), and obviously for a young horse having only his third start at the races, three hours before the race is a long time for a horse that’s known to get agitated. “So it was stressful in that sense, and then he pulled a shoe before he got to the barriers and had to be re-shod. “He then jumped out of the barriers a little bit slow, so for him to get over the line, I think it was the most I’ve celebrated in the mounting yard of any standard of race.” The man who has ridden him in all race starts, jockey Paddy Moloney jokingly added in his post-race interview “He belongs in a psych ward.” “I begged the owners. I said this horse has some serious ability, but he could do being two stone lighter,” Moloney said. “I think he’s a serious horse. If he could just calm down a peg, take a valium, he could be a really nice animal.” Fission then faced the starter down the straight five at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day, but had minimal luck from start to finish and the run was considered inconclusive from the stable.He returns to The Valley again this Friday night and has found yet another suitable Benchmark 70 over the flying 1000 metres where Moloney will look to continue his good association with him. ”He’s a fighter. He’s got a lot of spirit in him, so it’s all about pointing that spirit in the right direction” Mat De Cock added in his post-race chat with racing.com. &nbsp;The yard watchers will be keeping a keen eye on ‘Fish’ this Friday night, so let’s just hope he can get his manners right and the achievements on the track will continue to tumble. &nbsp;

Construction of Trackside House and Stonepine House commences&nbsp;July marked another important milestone with the sod-turning ceremony held at Moonee Valley Park, which signalled the beginning of construction for Trackside House and Stonepine House. This ceremony was significant in the ongoing redevelopment project of our new community, accomplished in collaboration with our Development Partners: Hamton, Hostplus, ISPT, and builders Icon.The commencement of Trackside House and Stonepine House stages signifies the culmination of Phase 1, and we are delighted to witness the progress of the project so far. These stages bring us closer to realising the vision of Moonee Valley Park, offering an exceptional living experience for our future residents. We eagerly anticipate the completion of these stages in 2025.Trackside House will provide 204 apartments, offering a modern and luxurious lifestyle with breathtaking views of the track. Stonepine House will feature 122 apartments, blending contemporary design with the natural beauty of the surrounding parkland. Both developments will contribute significantly to the growth and vibrancy of our community.We extend thanks to our Development Partners Hamton, Hostplus, and ISPT for their unwavering commitment and expertise throughout this journey.

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Latest News

Latest update on Moonee Valley Park redevelopment with construction milestones and new residents. Exciting developments at Feehan Row and Thomas Street. Trackside House and Stonepine House commencing construction.

MVRC Redevelopment Update

Stay updated on the Moonee Valley Park redevelopment. Key milestones, new residents, and ongoing construction progress. Discover the luxurious apartments at Trackside House and Stonepine House.