Patrick Moloney has won much bigger races than the $200,000 Listed Golden Mile, but he hopes Saturday’s victory in the signature event on Bendigo’s feature autumn raceday proves the springboard for career rejuvenation.
The 30-year-old recorded his biggest win since returning to the saddle from hand and shoulder injuries sustained in a fall at the Cranbourne jumpouts last October when he teamed with the Robbie Laing-trained El Soleado to win the 1600-metre event.
The victory was Moloney’s third winner, all of which have come at Bendigo, since returning in March he and hopes it proves a reminder of the talent that saw him win the 2022 Newmarket Handicap aboard Roch ‘N’ Horse.
“As has been well documented, it’s tough in the jockey’s room – you throw a bag of colours in and you’re happy for anyone to grab them and put them on,” Moloney said.
“I’ve been working my arse off for small opportunities, but hopefully this is the one I need to get the ball rolling.”
The victory was also a tonic for Laing, who was unable to be on track after undergoing a medical episode that required hospital treatment, although he was discharged before the Golden Mile was run.
El Soleado settled midfield, which was a little further back than Moloney wanted, but he was happy with the run he had in the race and produced El Soleado into the clear at the 450m with the gelding surging late to grab the lead in the final couple of bounds.
El Soleado ($15) scored by half-a-length from Sibaaq ($11), who finished a nose in advance of Just Folk ($16).
“My fella hit a bit of a flat spot and I thought I was in a bit of trouble coming around the corner but once he balanced up in the straight in a straight line he was very electric towards the line.”
The Golden Mile win was the sixth career success for El Soleado, who also owns six minor placings, and had now won $456,600 in stakes.
