Written by Jesse Dart
Cover image courtesy of Sporptix
Multiple items associated with the legendary Might And Power (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) are available for purchase, as a number of items owned by the late Nick Moraitis are offered at public auction.
For a period of time in the late 1990s, Might And Power was king of the castle. A winner of the G1 WS Cox Plate, G1 Caulfield Cup and G1 Melbourne Cup (amongst a host of other top-line races), the horse affectionately known as ‘Mighty’ captured the imagination of the racing world.
Nick Moraitis | Image courtesy of Sporptix
Now his fans can own some truly unique pieces out of the collection of leviathan owner and businessman Nick Moraitis, who passed away last year. The sale, which is being conducted by Lawsons Auctioneers, offers one-of-a-kind trophies, as well as a host of other rare and sought-after items.
Mighty memorabilia
Of most interest in the sale is a number of trophies and memorabilia associated with Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductee Might And Power, who passed away in 2020. Known for his ferocity, the tenacious gelding would often bowl straight to the front under legendary jockey Jim Cassidy, and give his opponents an almighty task to run him down.
His front-running style endeared him to many, and now his admirers can own a host of rare pieces associated with the Zabeel (NZ) gelding.
Might And Power (NZ) | Image courtesy of Sportpix
Three race trophies are up for grabs, including the 1998 G1 Doomben Cup, a race in which he won in record time for the distance. His record still stands today, albeit at the seldom-used distance of 2020 metres. Since 2012, the Doomben Cup has been run over 2000 metres.
Also available for purchase is the 1998 G2 Chelmsford S. trophy, a race in which ‘Mighty’ defeated top horses Juggler (Jugah {USA}) and Tie The Knot (Nassipour {USA}).
Racing collectors can also acquire the 1997 G3 Frank Packer Plate trophy, which was won by Might And Power in the autumn prior to his Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double.
Gallery: Some of the trophies on offer
Impressive trophies aside, a host of other pieces associated with one of Australia’s most beloved horses are also on offer. Among the lots are a number of horse rugs from all three spring majors, a framed set of Moraitis’ famous pink, white and grey silks, plenty of framed collages and photographs as well as an engraved paper knife.
The collection doesn’t stop at Might And Power, with trophies and collectors' items available from a variety of Moraitis-owned horses, spanning three decades of involvement with the racing industry.
Legacy of top performers
Browsing through the auction catalogue affords a visit through modern racing history, such was the prominence of the Moraitis colours from the mid 1990s.
Outside of his revered champion, Exceed And Excel is arguably the most recognisable. The star sprinter was a dual Group 1 winner when racing and has gone on to even greater heights as a stallion. Siring an incredible 213 stakes winners, and is well-positioned to become a stallion of stallions, with Bivouac, Microphone and Exceedance all starting to attract support as they embark on their respective careers.
He’s not the only Moraitis-owned galloper to make his way to stud, with Love Conquers All also graduating from a successful racing career to the breeding barn. Standing in Queensland, he has sired five individual stakes winners, highlighted by Group 2 winner Savanna Amour.
Exceed And Excel | Standing at Darley
Throughout the duration of Moraitis’ journey in racing, there was one seemingly constant influence. The legendary stallion Zabeel became the reliable underpinning of horses raced in Moriatis’ colours, starting with Might And Power and evolving over time.
There was the prolific Fiuminico (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), a seven-time winner who won the 2007 G1 ATC Derby in challenging conditions at Royal Randwick. Purchased as a yearling for NZ$425,000 from the 2005 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, he would go on to notch over $3 million in prizemoney.
Another Zabeel progeny who enjoyed success for Moraitis was Maluckyday (NZ), who was able to win the G3 Lexus S. (now known as the Archer S.) on his way to running second to Americain (USA) (Dynaformer {USA}) in the 2010 G1 Melbourne Cup.
The legendary stallion Zabeel (NZ) became the reliable underpinning of horses raced in Moraitis’ colours
Then there was Rainbow Styling (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), who was successful on eight occasions, including in the G3 Naturalism S. in 2010. That trophy, along with memorabilia associated with other Group-winning horses Vision And Power (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}), Apache King (Waajib {Ire}), Fritz’s Princess (More Than Ready {USA}) and more can be bid on until 7pm AEDT on November 23.
