Blake Shinn fights back tears after emotional win for the late Michael Moroney aboard Burlington Gate at Pakenham

Champion jockey Blake Shinn was full of emotion at Pakenham on Thursday night as he produced a perfect ride aboard Burlington Gate to win for his late trainer Michael Moroney.

Champion jockey Blake Shinn fought back tears as he paid tribute to Michael Moroney after winning at Pakenham aboard Burlington Gate, a horse prepared by the late conditioner.

Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Moroney passed away in his sleep on Thursday morning after a long battle with illness, with tributes pouring in from around Australia and New Zealand for a man universally described as a ‘real gentleman’.

• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

After giving Burlington Gate a perfect ride to win the Fiona Jeffrey Benchmark 64 (2000m) at Pakenham on Thursday evening, Shinn said it was fitting he, Moroney’s co-trainer Glen Thompson and the entire Ballymore Stables team “had been able to pull this off”.

“It’s a very sombre feeling today,” Shinn said.

"Mike and I, we've formed a great relationship and friendship, and he's just great to ride for. He's so kind and loyal [and is] everything you could ask for riding for a trainer."

You've done Mike proud, Blake ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NMC9ycq24W

— Racing.com (@Racing) February 27, 2025

• Tributes pour in for Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Michael Moroney

“When I got the call from Anthony about Mike’s passing, he asked me to ride this horse. I thought I’d definitely do it to try and honour him.

“I got a very similar feeling to when Guy Walter passed away because Mike and I, we’ve formed a great relationship and friendship. He’s great to ride for, he is so kind and loyal.

“We are all mourning his loss. He is going to leave a legacy in this game.

“We were able to do it for Mike, Glen, Anthony, Karen and Mike’s whole family.”

Shinn sends her clear & this one's for Mike ❤️

After an emotional day for the racing industry, Mike's own horse Burlington Gate, salutes and honours a beloved racing figure 👏@blake_shinnpic.twitter.com/UsiRbzPVFv

— Racing.com (@Racing) February 27, 2025

Shinn was aboard the Moroney-trained Couer Volante for the mare’s dominant four-length victory in last Saturday’s Group 3 Mannerism Stakes at Caulfield, while Craig Williams will on Saturday ride stablemate Plymouth, a $19 chance in the Group 1 Australian Guineas at Flemington.