Ormsby to join forces with Moroney early

The Mike Moroney stable says the New Zealand arm of his Trans-Tasman operation will not suffer despite the early loss of his training partner Andrew Clarken.

Clarken was set to move on from the Ballymore operation at the end of the season with jockey Chad Ormsby to step into the training ranks as Moroney's training partner.

However, Clarken has decided to quit Ballymore on April 30 to begin a partnership with Gareth McRae.

"Andrew departs with my full support and we wish him well with his new training endeavours,” Moroney said in a statement.

Ormsby is the partner of Moroney's daughter Aliesha. Moroney said the 22-year-old rider had decided to retire from saddle on April 14 before embarking on the new phase of his career.

Moroney said Ormsby has used the last year to prepare for his shift into the training ranks by spending time with Moroney in Queensland and Victoria to learn the Melbourne Cup-winning trainer's methods.

"I have huge confidence in Chad's ability to train and believe his in-depth knowledge of New Zealand racing and racetracks will be invaluable for the stable,” Moroney said.

"I have no doubts that he will be successful as a trainer as were the likes of Dave O'Sullivan, Colin Jillings and Jim Gibbs, who were all natural horsemen like Chad but who had to give up riding at a young age due to problems with their weight”.

Aliesha Moroney will continue in her role as Ballymore's business development manager.

Brad Waters - racenet

29/03/2012