Hollindale Stakes on the horizon for Green Moon

Melbourne Cup winner Green Moon looks set to kick off his farewell tour in the Group 2 $358,000 A. D. Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast on April 25.

Green Moon will head to Queensland for the Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

Green Moon will head to Queensland for the Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

Part owner Nick Williams said that he was excited about having another runner at the Queensland Winter Carnival after not visiting the Sunshine State since Perlin won the 2005 Group 1 $500,000 Doomben Cup (2000m) at Doomben and this campaign could be the last for Green Moon.

“We’re excited to come up there again,” Williams told The Courier-Mail.

“It’s been a while, but you need the right horse. Queensland has always been kind to us and it’s good to be able to support the carnival.”

“I think the last time we sent horses up there (in 2005), we won the Doomben Cup with Perlin and on the same day Activation won the Rough Habit Plate.’’

A good performance in the Hollindale Stakes by Green Moon will see Williams chase another Doomben Cup trophy a fortnight later.

Green Moon is one of many stayers Williams and his father Lloyd Williams have imported from Europe and their judgement proved right when the Montjeu stallion beat Fiorente in the 2012 Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.

The eight year old has failed to win a race since but went close when runner up to Fiorente in the Group 1 $1m Darley Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington during the 2014 Melbourne Autumn Carnival.

Green Moon failed to find any form during the Melbourne Spring Carnival last year with his best effort being a two and three quarter lengths ninth to Admire Raki in the Group 1 $3m Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield before finishing fifth to Au Revoir in the Group 2 $350,000 Deadly Design Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown.

Green Moon will head to the Gold Coast with one run under his belt after finishing fourteenth to Watermans Bay in the Group 3 $150,000 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on April 4.

Chad Schofield has been booked to ride the eight year old at the Gold Coast, the day before he heads off overseas for a three months riding stint in England.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.