Peter Moody has recorded the second winner in his comeback to training with Matamata scoring at Moe.
The trainer of unbeaten champion Black Caviar recommenced his training career earlier this month in on-course stables at Pakenham after spending four years on the sidelines.
Moody’s first runner back, Shepard, scored at Ballarat on May 10 while Matamata was only his third runner back.
Like Shepard, Matamata was ridden to victory in Tuesday’s Nextra Moe Maiden Plate by Luke Nolen, who combined with Moody for many famous victories.
They are best remembered for their partnership with Black Caviar, who was unbeaten in 25 starts with Nolen riding the mare to victory on 22 occasions.
Moody stepped away from training in 2016 after he was suspended for six months as a result of Lidari returning a cobalt reading above the allowed level, following second place in the 2014 Turnbull Stakes.
He was found not guilty of intentionally administering cobalt to affect Lidari’s performance but the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board found him guilty of a lesser charge which incurred a six-month suspension.
“It’s always pleasing to get a winner especially when you own them,” Moody told racing.com.
“That’s the reason I’m back training. I had too many horses that I owned myself and I had to pay other trainers.
“I don’t only get the prize money now, but I get the trainers’ percentage as well.”
Moody’s only other starter, Cernan, finished second at Sandown last week.
