3 minute read

Trainer and jockey quotes following the Group 2 Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup won by Cleveland at Moonee Valley on Friday.

Race Result:

1st: Cleveland (J McDonald/K Lees) - $6.50
2nd: Vow And Declare (B Egan/D O'Brien) - $6.50
3rd: Future History (C Williams/C Maher & D Eustace) - $7.50

Winning Time: 2:35.20 Last 600m: N/A

Margins: 3/4 lengths x Nose

It's Cleveland & @mcacajamez's G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup! @Leesracing @TheValley pic.twitter.com/Z8XiE0Zdsx

— Racing.com (@Racing) October 27, 2023

Winning Trainer: Kris Lees

On the win: "He got a lovely ride, just chimed in at the right time. He's just taken little improvement out of every run, we decided to take the blinkers back off today and I thought he reacted really well."

Learning about the horse: "He's got a few little quirks but he's a lovely horse and I'm really honoured to be training him in these colours and great to get a result for them."

"He knees his chin as he goes along but he was alright when he straightened up today, he let down really well."

Possible Melbourne Cup run: "We hope so. He'll come on again, I think he's found a bit of form and I think he'll hold it now."

Relationship with Nick Williams: "I've been mates with Nick for a very long time, I'm very fortunate he's given us an opportunity to take some nice horses and I repaid him with one today."

Winning Owner: Nick Williams

"We have been mates for probably thirty years so once we decided to stop doing Macedon Lodge we went up and had a look at Newcastle at his facilities and he's got a fantastic facility and I thought well he's the logical guy to give some horses to, it's been a very enjoyable experience."

"Maybe. I'm sure David Hegan (Racing Victoria Chief Handicapper) is probably watching tonight… probably not a very good race this, I'm sure the 51 and a half he's got there is enough, not any more. We'll see how he pulls up and make a decision on Saturday or Sunday but obviously you'd think we would head in that direction but we'll see."

"It's been a great race, it's wonderful being here in this cauldron, we're not going to have it for much longer in this format so it's wonderful to be here and win some races, it's great."

Winning Jockey: James McDonald

On the win: "He was really solid, he was there for me when he curled up on the bend and gave a great turn of foot, he felt excellent, onwards and upwards. I don't know what they're going to do with him but he was good there."

Joking about re-handicapping: "It wasn't that impressive, he only just fell in as well so, I don't know if he'll run two miles…"

Melbourne Cup chance: "It's very competitive, take the top three out, they look the class acts but you never know, it's two miles, down in the weights, you're a chance."

Track to suit Romantic Warrior: "I hope so, hope every horse gets their chance, hopefully we're there when the whips are cracking."