David Moran in welcome return to driving

The adage that you can’t keep a good man down is certainly true as evidenced by the return of the one of the country’s leading trainer drivers David Moran.

After a more than 12 month layoff, Moran has now reapplied and earned his A Grade licence.

I drove six trials in Queensland while we were travelling and did the rest today at Menangle.

At today’s trials he drove for Luke McCarthy and Kerry Ann Morris.

Moran is best known for his association with wonder pacer Lochinvar Art, outstanding mare Ladies In Red and more recently Captain Hammerhead who upset Swayzee in the 2025 Albury Pacing Cup.

He also drove the outstanding Honalua Bay to win the AG Hunter Cup, Patsbeachstorm a New South Wales Pacing Derby, Timmy Rictor the Breeders Crown Final and top filly Sweet Bella in the Victoria Oaks.

In his 863 wins as a driver Moran has won 22 Group 1 events, 16 Group 2 and 23 Group 3 races.

After the layoff, I sold the complex to Courtney Laker but I still have six boxes. I’ve been doing a fair amount of travelling around the country but we’re back home in Shepparton this weekend.

In my time off I’ve been doing some roofing with a friend. At the present moment I’m happy to start off as a freelance driver but as yet I’m not sure about training horses.

I’ve already reached out to some trainers that I know and without any promises there seems to be some prospects to drive in the near future.

Moran is a gifted trainer driver and his reappearance will be welcome news in harness racing. It won’t take him long to establish himself again if he obtains the right opportunities with trainers and connections.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink