Special agent Moroney planning a change of pace

5 min read
A nomadic lifestyle in his global search for thoroughbred talent is drawing to a close for successful bloodstock agent Paul Moroney.

But the New Zealander isn’t stepping out of the game, far from it. He’s just preparing to play it at a more sedate pace and is planning to settle in Australia.

Moroney’s still intending to travel, but not clocking up so many Frequent Flyer points in the future.

“I haven’t had a permanent base and we’re looking to set one up in Victoria next year,” he said.

“It has been quite demanding doing Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere sales, Horses in Training and yearlings and breeding stock sales and there are a lot of them.

“You can’t keep living out of suitcases, it’s pretty tiring.” – Paul Moroney.

“I’ve been spending five weeks a year in New Zealand as well and really it’s been six years on the road. You can’t keep living out of suitcases, it’s pretty tiring.

Bloodstock agent, Paul Moroney

“My partner Catheryne, who I’ve been with for six years, has an equine rehabilitation business in south-east Melbourne.

“I’m coming up to 60 so it’s probably time to start picking and choosing which sale to go to and enjoy a different lifestyle.”

Moroney first went to England in 1985 and has virtually been going backwards and forwards ever since.

“I’ve always had a passion for international racing and I’ve been fairly vocal, especially of New Zealand, for the need to upgrade broodmare lines.” – Paul Moroney.

“I’ve always had a passion for international racing and I’ve been fairly vocal, especially of New Zealand, for the need to upgrade broodmare lines,” he said. “Unfortunately, not many have taken it up.

“It’s very competitive up there. Australians will use Northern Hemisphere-based agents to select yearlings and that rarely happens down here so it’s been frustrating.

“Yearling buying has been my main forte and I’ve bought 20 up there and had two stakes performers and all bar one have won races.

Pau Moroney with his partner Catheryne

“There hasn’t really been any increased business and there have been more financial rewards in buying racehorses in the private market.

“I’ve found success in buying breeding stock and it’s been worthwhile, but it takes its toll so I’ve had a rethink and where I’m going in life.” - Paul Moroney.

“I’ve found success in buying breeding stock and it’s been worthwhile, but it takes its toll so I’ve had a rethink and where I’m going in life.”

Moroney has an outstanding record as a purchaser of young thoroughbreds.

“I’ve selected 35 individual Group 1 winners of 51 Group 1 races,” he said. “Happyanunoit and Xcellent have been the best without doubt,” he said. “They were both freaks of nature.

“Happyanunoit was the champion 2-year-old filly of her year in Australasia and won her only three starts in New Zealand, including a Group 1.

“She got beaten half a head by Dracula in the Champagne S. and was then sold to the United States where she won three Grade 1s.

“She had won more than any Australasian-bred in the Northern Hemisphere until So You Think, who ended up with five.” - Paul Moroney.

“She had won more than any Australasian-bred in the Northern Hemisphere until So You Think, who ended up with five.

“She flies under the radar really. She was the highest-rated turf mare in the world twice, higher than Sunline.”

The multiple Group 1 winner Xcellent (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) was an outstanding galloper.

“He really was a freak and we never got to see the best of him,” Moroney said. “He lost his best years at four and five with injuries.

Xcellent at Randwick

“He came back as a 6-year-old to winning form and then tragically broke down when he won the Captain Cook S.

“One of my favourites was Second Coming. He was my first Derby winner, and I’ve selected 13 classic winners, when he won the Victoria Derby and he ran third behind Brew in the Melbourne Cup. I was managing owner of both horses.”

Master of all trades

There’s little in racing that Moroney hasn’t successfully turned his hand to.

“I just love it – it’s been my passion all of my life,” he said.

“I’ve been a journalist, broadcaster (with Trackside), assistant judge, I’m a director of the Hall of Fame, trained Group 1 winners and owned Derby, Melbourne Cup and Great Northern Steeplechase winners – I wouldn’t have missed it for quids.

“I love buying yearlings though and I’m looking forward to the sales in New Zealand and in Australia.”

Strong brotherly bond

Moroney has enjoyed outstanding success with his brother Michael, who operates stables at Flemington and at Matamata, but at an unfair cost.

“It’s probably stymied business a bit,” he said. “You can get pigeon-holed and people say I buy the best for my brother, but I enjoy buying for anyone and do my best for all of them.”

Moroney also voiced the utmost respect and admiration for his peers.

“I believe, per capita, New Zealand bloodstock agents are without doubt in the top echelon in the world.” - Paul Moroney.

“I believe, per capita, New Zealand bloodstock agents are without doubt in the top echelon in the world,” he said.

Paul (left) and Michael (right) Moroney with owner, Harold Hansen (centre)

“People like Michael Wallace, who has had a part in buying Kentucky Derby and Oaks winners, Bruce Perry has had great success in the last 10 years and Guy Mulcaster has a great alliance with Chris Waller.

“I put myself in that group and New Zealand agents are as good a horse buyers as any in the world.”

Moroney does hold grave concerns though for the future of the New Zealand industry.

“The biggest problem is the lack of investment and new investment in the breeding side,” he said.

“We’ve gone away from breeding stayers and that’s allowed the opportunities for the Australians to go further afield. Now, we’re finding it very hard to compete.”