Gary Moore’s post-race celebration threatened to outshine Takedown’s performance after the horse gave him his biggest success in Sydney.
In a strong first-up win, Takedown reeled in the Joe Pride-trained Ball Of Muscle ($9) while Kapernick ($9) showed strength late to grab third in the Group Two Shorts at Randwick on Saturday.
Moore, who is known for his jubilant celebrations, leaped in the air before running on to the track to hug and kiss Takedown as he returned to the winner’s circle.
He reserved some of his affection for Tim Clark, planting a kiss on the jockey’s head after he dismounted.
It was Moore’s biggest success since relocating his stable to Sydney following a successful stint in Macau.
“That was very special,” Moore said.
“We’ve been going nearly two years now so we needed it.
“It’s great for the stable – it’s just fantastic.”
Moore said Takedown weighed in a 615kg, the same weight he was when he won the Group Three Gold Coast Guineas in May.
“He was fine-tuned for the race,” Moore said.
Takedown will return to Randwick on October 1 for the Group Two Premiere Stakes (1200m) before heading to Melbourne for the Group Three Moonga Stakes (1400m) on Caulfield Cup day.
The four-year-old has now won five races from 16 starts and collected more than $625,000 in the process.
Clark said he was delighted to win for Moore who had been a strong supporter of him.
He said Takedown was the complete racehorse who had improved after having a throat operation.
“He’s so clean winded now and it’s obviously worked 100 per cent with him,” Clark said.
Group One winner English was sent out the $2.25 favourite for The Shorts but finished more than a length behind the first four.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy said it had been difficult to make up ground during the meeting.
“She sprinted really well at the top of the straight and I thought she was the winner,” McEvoy said.
“She was a little bit disappointing late.”
