Punters, fans and major industry players have thrown their support behind Neville Layt after the weekend's Rubiton Stakes debacle, but none more so than powerful Melbourne trainer Peter Moody.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Perennial barrier rogue Here De Angels reared up in his gate adjacent to Light Fingers Stakes-bound Karuta Queen on Saturday, and the incident has been widely blamed for Layt's heavily backed filly missing the start and only managing to finish fourth.
Moody knows first-hand the dangers of lining up next to Here De Angels – prior to super mare Black Caviar's dominant Schweppes Stakes (1200m) win at Moonee Valley in October he successfully lobbied for an empty barrier to separate the two horses after they were drawn together.
It turned out an unnecessary precaution on that occasion – Black Caviar won by six lengths while Here De Angels produced a relatively strong effort to run third.
But on Saturday the Goulburn-trained gelding was back up to his old tricks and Karuta Queen was right in the firing line.
“Peter Moody walked up to me after the race and he says 'I know how you feel mate, and I know why you're so disappointed',” Layt said.
“He says 'That's why I got them to move Black Caviar away from her'.
“He said 'You be very proud of that little filly mate, she ran the race of her life and never saw daylight at all. I feel so sorry for you having that thing bring you undone when you should have a Group Three beside your name'.”
Layt was also disappointed with how the barrier attendants handled the incident.
“If they backed her out and let her have a little trot around and vetted her she'd probably walk back in and ping the gates as good as she always has,” Layt said.
“They started to back her out and they just pushed her back in. Because they didn't [back her out] and they just pushed her back in, she missed the kick.
“In my opinion the stewards did it for Peter last start down there in Melbourne, why didn't [Racing Victoria Chairman of Stewards] Terry Bailey say right we're going to move all horses one horse away from Here De Angels.”
Here De Angels trainer Wendy Roche said she requested to Bailey before the race that her horse be walked into the barriers last, but her wish was denied as it went against standard protocol.
She also indicated some gear changes may have upset the horse.
Layt confirmed on Monday his filly had recovered from the arduous weekend in Melbourne and would line up in Saturday's Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm.
And while left frustrated by an unfruitful trip to Melbourne, Layt said he couldn't help but get caught up in Black Caviar fever.
Karuta Queen ran second to the world's best sprinter in the Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield over the spring, and at a luncheon on Saturday upon his return to the track, Layt was presented with a Black Caviar tie.
The brilliant mare then went on two win her 18th straight race in the CF Orr Stakes and extend her brilliant unbeaten career record
“I said I will wear it with distinction,” Layt beamed proudly after receiving the gift.
“I can't beat her so I'll join her.”
