Home

News

2022 12 14

Global Footer

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.

Racing

Race-Day Info

Event Calendar

Group 1 Races

Tickets & Dining

Membership

Become A Member

Club 100 Membership

Browse Dining Options

Cox Plate Hub

2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate 

Dining & Hospitality

Browse All Packages

Ladbrokes Cox Plate Hub

About

The Club

MVRC Club Rules

Venues

TOTE BAR & DINING

Redevelopment

The Valley Of Tomorrow

BOOK TICKETS

Tickets and Dining at The Valley

Steven King’s Southern Front grants trainer first metro winner

He famously won the 2003 W.S. Cox Plate with champion warhorse Fields Of Omagh, and now the next chapter in Steven King’s illustrious career is well underway. The 1997 Scobie Breasley Medal winner won his first metropolitan race as a trainer last Friday night at The Valley, with Southern Front saluting in Heat 8 of the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge. King called time on his career as a jockey nearly six years ago to the day, whereby coincidence his very last ride came at The Valley on the 9th of December 2016. He spent time with Lloyd Williams and Steve Richards, learning the craft of training in the years that followed before eventually applying for his own boxes at Flemington and filling them with half a dozen in work late in 2021. The progression from jockey to trainer is a natural one that many have taken before him, but the more rigorous program and 24/7 lifestyle of training is proving to be a welcome challenge for the fifty-three-year-old, who says the addition of being able to ride his own horses is a key edge.&nbsp; “I’m lucky enough that I can still ride work, so I get to know them very personally. I’m on them every day and I get to know the little things about them,” King told us. “The workload is pretty massive – working seven days a week. I’m a little bit of a control freak in the fact that I like to be around them and know exactly what is going on. “But I enjoy that part of it. It’s a passion, and I just like watching the horses grow up from being a young horse, going through their grades, picking their races and knowing they’re spot on.” A horse King has picked the right races for consistently is three-time winner Southern Front, who he purchased at the 2020 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for $165,000. The son of Manhattan Rain scooted away to win last Friday night after a perfect ride by rising apprentice Hannah Edgley, proving too strong in the concluding stages after enjoying a nice run in behind the speed. “I just said to Hannah, he’s drawn a bit awkward. Just make sure he bounces the gates. Obviously 955 they’re going to go quick. You might find yourself midfield or a bit worse, three deep with cover, don’t panic and ride him to run well.” Edgley executed exactly to plan. Southern Front sprung out of the gates, settled into a midfield position, three-wide with cover, and the horse was full of momentum when they turned for home. He hit the front 100 metres from the post and powered to the line to win by half a length. Edgley, who rode her first metro winner only weeks ago, couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as this time around she had helped Steven King get his first as a trainer. “It’s a massive honour. I can’t thank him and the connections enough for this, it’s just fantastic,” Edgley told Racing.com in her post-race interview. ”I look forward to it (riding at The Valley) every Friday night. I come for one or five and I just can’t wait to come back here every week." &nbsp;For Steven King, it was a milestone moment and an important step in the right direction for a trainer still very early in his new caper. He said Southern Front appreciated the firm track and would continue to race through the summer, while talks of his operation on a whole would be a step-by-step process moving forward. “I’ve only been doing it for 12 months, and already I’ve got a dozen horses on my books, a lot of babies and a lot of young horses. “If I’m going to grow, I want to grow organically. I don’t want to be in a rush to grow and expand too quick. I just want to slowly take my time and keep learning. “But I enjoy it. I love it, and it’s given me a new lease on life.” &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.

<h2 style="text-align:center;">You may also like</h2><ul><li><h4><a href="https://www.thevalley.com.au/news/2025-02-02/news-contenders-shocks-nz-g1-target">Shock's NZ Group 1 target</a></h4>2 February, 2025</li><li><h4><a href="https://www.thevalley.com.au/news/2024-10-23/news-preview-bedggood-pair-please-at-valley">Bedggood pair please at Valley</a></h4>23 October, 2024</li><li><h4><a href="https://www.thevalley.com.au/news/2024-10-22/news-preview-no-valley-concerns-for-broadsiding">No Valley concerns for Broadsiding</a></h4>22 October, 2024</li></ul>

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.