Moody Goes Out a Winner in Group I Stakes

Trainer Peter Moody, who said he will give up training for now and not appeal a six-month suspension for a cobalt positive, went out a winner the evening of March 24 when the 6-year-old millionaire gelding Flamberge won the Mitchelton Wines William Reid Stakes (Aus-I) at Moonie Valley.

Flamberge, owned by David Moodie, is now a three-time group I winner in his native Australia. By Exceed And Excel, Flamberge has won 11 races in 33 starts in his career.

Holler, winner of the Canterbury Stakes (Aus-I) in his last start, was second, followed by Japonisme in third. Flamberge, ridden by Brad Rawiller, covered the 1,200 meters (about six furlongs) on turf in 1:09.85.

"This is an unbelievable feeling," Moody told the Melbourne Herald Sun. "It will stick with me for a while."

Moody, a top trainer in Australia, said March 23 he plans to quit training after stewards ruled he must serve a six-month suspension for unintentionally administering excessive levels of cobalt to one of his runners in 2014.

BLOOD-HORSE STAFF: Moody Said He Will Quit Due to Penalty

The trainer who gained worldwide fame as the conditioner of undefeated Australian champion sprinter Black Caviar was cleared of the more serious charge of administering cobalt with the intent of improving a horse; that would have carried a three-year ban.

The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board March 17 handed Moody a 12-month ban, six months of which were suspended.