The loss of Mike Moroney is felt deeply, but a Caulfield double on Saturday helped keep his memory alive.

Following Moroney’s passing, Glen Thompson has taken over the reins at Ballymore Stables, which Moroney had co-managed. Despite the official change on Friday, Moroney’s name appeared in the racebook on Saturday.

Bankers Choice gave the stable a win in the opening race, the DCE Handicap (2400m), before Benagil triumphed in the VOBIS Platinum Guineas (1600m).

Anthony Feroce, long-time racing manager, described it as an emotional time for the team, especially following Mike’s memorial on Tuesday and funeral in New Zealand on Monday.

“That’s fantastic,” Feroce said after Bankers Choice’s win. “For Glen, that’ll be great for him. He’s a trainer on his own right now, so it’s a great start.”

Bankers Choice could now target the Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) in May.

Meanwhile, Thompson, at Rosehill for Coeur Volante’s run in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic, watched Benagil come from behind to win the VOBIS Platinum Guineas.

Feroce added that Benagil was initially planned for the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m), but skipping that race was the right call. The next step is the Australasian Oaks in Adelaide.