Warrnambool businessman Colin McKenna described Moudre’s effort to run third in the $300,000 Makybe Diva (1600 metres) at Flemington on Saturday as his most satisfying result in nearly 40 years of horse ownership.
Moudre was having his first start in more than 18 months after recovering from a tendon injury to his off-front leg when he finished two lengths behind Southern Speed and Manighar in the group 2 race.
McKenna gave credit to trainer Ciaron Maher and former Camperdown resident John Daffy for getting the horse he part owns back to competing at the highest level.
“It was a slashing run by Moudre to come back in such a good race,” he said.
“He was one of the unlucky runners in the race.
“With any luck he would have been right in the finish.
“The way Moudre finished the race off you would think he’ll be competitive in some of the big races over the spring.
“Our main aim is the Melbourne Cup.
“Ciaron and John have done a wonderful job in getting Moudre back to the track.
“John advised us not to give the horse any needles after he injured his tendon — he offered a different therapy for the horse and it’s worked.
“Ciaron was really comfortable with the advice that John gave us.”
Daffy is a partner in Trackside Technologies.
The company offers advanced and effective advice in tendon management in equines and human athletes.
McKenna said he feared before the race that Moudre would not measure up.
“It’s always in the back of your mind that a horse will not come back after he’s been injured,” he said.
“There are a lot of horses that don’t come back from those sorts of injuries.
“I had a horse called The Fuzz a couple of years ago and he failed to produce his best when he came back to racing after suffering an injury.
“It’s just a relief.
“I must admit I was really excited when I saw him stretching out over the last 200 metres.
“The other owners are over the moon with the run.”
Maher said he might set Moudre for the $500,000 group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000 metres) at Flemington on October 6.
“It’s a month between runs but I reckon he races best when he’s fresh,” he said.
“We’ve put a lot of work into him and he’s got the miles in his legs.
“It was a great effort.
“We’re looking forward to the spring with confidence now that’s he’s come back.
“We’ve got the Caulfield Cup on the agenda but the race we’ve set him for is this year’s Melbourne Cup — that’s our grand final race.
“Moudre has pulled up really well.
“The advice and support that John Daffy has given us has been very beneficial for the horse.”
Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper Greg Carpenter said Moudre’s third placing on Saturday saw him pass the ballot for the $2.5 million Caulfield Cup on Saturday, October 20.
Moudre picked up $27,000 in prizemoney with his third placing in the Makybe Diva.
He’s now earned his connections more than $550,000 in stakemoney.