Hall of Fame inductee Peter Moody pays tribute to country connections

By Andrew Smith

As a kid from country Queensland, Peter Moody never dreamt of one day seeing his name alongside some of the greats of the Australian racing industry.

The master trainer paid homage to his humble beginnings in the bush as he was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame during Sunday’s awards ceremony in Brisbane.

Hailing from Wyandra in the state’s west, Moody scaled the heights of world racing, with legendary mare Black Caviar propelling him to international stardom.

Speaking at The Star, the 56-year-old was still in disbelief at being awarded the honour and joining the likes of legendary figures like Bart Cummings, Colin Hayes, Tommy 'TJ' Smith and Gai Waterhouse.

“No-one ever dreams of those sort of things…I don't care if it's a young kid playing football or cricket or on the dusty racetracks in western Queensland,” Moody said.

“It feels unbelievably humbling to be awarded this recognition beside some of the absolute greats and megastars of Australian racing - it's something I never expected but here we are today.

“It’s probably not quite true to be quite honest - you pinch yourself every day, and I’ve been very fortunate that it's really my team and family that has surrounded me throughout my career.

“They’ve enabled us to reach the heights we have, and obviously to receive this ultimate recognition today is amazing.”

Moody has 60 Group 1s and over 3,000 victories to his name, with Black Caviar, Typhoon Tracy and Dissident amongst his past stable stars.

His racing career has taken him all around the world, even earning a trip to Royal Ascot where he enjoyed an audience with Queen Elizabeth II.

But Moody has never forgotten his Queensland country roots, and was an enthusiastic attendee at the Twin Hills Race Club’s 100^th anniversary celebrations on Saturday.

The conditioner was keen to acknowledge the grounding that bush racing gave him, as well as the importance of maintaining a strong country racing circuit.

“When I was a kid playing around those places, I did it for the love of the horse, and I still do it for the love of the horse, and I've been fortunate enough to have great success along the way,” Moody said.

“The country influence has been massive for sure, and I think it's to be recognised Australia-wide.

“You have a look at the jockeys and the trainers premierships' Australia-wide and I would suggest probably eight out of the 10 participants at the top of every table nearly have a rural background or upbringing to some degree.

“I think it's imperative that Racing Australia and all the jurisdictions associated continue to support grassroots racing, because that's where a lot of your participants come from.”

Moody’s mum Janice, along with wife Sarah and daughters Breann, Celine and Cara were all in attendance for the special occasion.

The emotions flowed when Moody was on stage for his induction as he spoke about the influence of his family across his decades of dedication to the caper.

“Family is my greatest achievement – I’ve got three beautiful daughters and a loving wife that looked after me and supported me throughout my career,” Moody said.

"I'm unbelievably proud of my children and I think it's the same for everyone, you live through their lives.

"This is when I get emotional, talking about family.

"My mum is here today, she worked for Sarah and I for the first couple of years when we couldn't afford to pay her wages.

"My three older sisters out the back - they always had my back, so thanks girls."

Moody also reunited with jockey Luke Nolen on stage to celebrate Black Caviar’s elevation to “Legend” status in the Hall of Fame.

The mighty mare was first inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 for her scintillating record as the undefeated winner of 25 races, including 15 at Group 1 level.

Her flawless career included two TJ Smith Stakes, three Lightning Stakes, two VRC Champion sprints and the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Moody was quick to pay tribute to Black Caviar for the influence she had had on his career.

“Well let's not kid ourselves, ultimately that's why I'm here today due to being able to stand beside that great mare,” Moody said.

“For her and Winx to be recognised on the same day, I think it's very fitting.

“I think it's been unbelievable in the last two and a half decades of this century that we've seen with Makybe Diva, Black Caviar and Winx.

“Their achievements and feats will probably never, ever be equalled again and for these two great mares, and particularly my girl Black Caviar - to be recognised in that way, it's very special.”

Brisbane trainer Desleigh Forster was one-time foreman for Moody, and has stayed firm friends with the now Victorian-based trainer.

Forster helped her old mate out by stabling Black Caviar prior to the 2011 BTC Cup, and said the accolade for Moody was richly deserved.

“His greatest strength training is that he knows his horses and he’s very thorough and he’s a horseman as well so that gave him a big advantage,” Forster said.

“Coming from where he’s come from, to where he is now and to do what he has done, to take Black Caviar over to the other side of the world to keep her record intact is incredible.

“He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame with what he has achieved with Black Caviar and what he has achieved with a lot of other horses…well done to Moods.”