Mo’unga will remain in training with Annabel Neasham into his six-year-old year, with managing owners Newhaven Park intent on improving his already respectable race record.
Mo’unga nosed out Anamoe for second in last Saturday’s $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick won by British visitor Dubai Honour.
Whilst Anamoe is expected to stand at stud later this year and may not race again, with a decision pending on a trip to Royal Ascot, Mo’unga will remain in training during 2023/24.
“Obviously, from a trainer’s point of view we get more out of them racing than being at stud, so I’m delighted that they want to race him on for another year,” Neasham said.
“He’s beaten Anamoe twice at 2000m now, which I don’t think he gets enough credit for. His run on Saturday was unbelievable – he’s won two Group 1s, but I’d nearly mark that as one of the best runs he’s had.”
The Savabeel entire notched both his G1 victories in 2021, the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) followed by a first-up victory in the Winx Stakes (1400m) to start his four-year-old season.
Mo’unga has raced 19 of his past 20 starts at G1 level, which includes 10 placings.
MO’UNGA’S GROUP 1 RECORD
WINS: 2021 Rosehill Guineas (2000m), 2021 Winx Stakes (1400m).
SECOND: 2021 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), 2021 Randwick Guineas (1600m), 2022 Underwood Stakes (1800m), 2022 Futurity Stakes (1400m), 2022 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m), 2023 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
THIRD: 2021 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m), 2022 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), 2023 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m), 2023 Ranvet Stakes (2000m).
FOURTH: 2021 Cox Plate (2040m).
FIFTH: 2021 Epsom Handicap (1600m), 2022 Cox Plate (2040m).
“People often quickly rush stallions off to stud today, and we just feel that he’s got plenty left to offer on the racetrack.” Newhaven proprietor John Kelly said in a statement.
“He puts in every time, and we feel that he’s actually still improving. He’s racing with great heart and we’re going to continue on and see what he’s got left to offer.
“He’ll go to the paddock on Tuesday morning, and he’ll come back in the spring and go towards the Cox Plate.
“We’re confident that he’ll come back and could be an even better horse in the spring – not that he has a lot left to prove!”
Mo’unga has raced 26 times for five wins and 11 placings with prizemoney of $3.8 million.
– racing.com
