Sydney’s premier trainer Chris Waller and superstar international jockey Douglas Whyte claimed the final Group One of the year when Moriarty posted a thrilling victory in the Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot yesterday. The South African-born rider was sublime as he angled Moriaty off the fence to gather in Disposition and score by a half-length. Disposition’s stable mate Elite Belle was 2 ¼ lengths third. The 43-year-old is rated one of the world’s best riders and was Hong Kong’s champion jockey for 13 consecutive seasons from 2001, losing his title to Australia’s Zac Purton in 2013-14. Whyte secured the winning mount from Nash Rawiller who rode Moriarty to a slashing third behind Elite Belle in last fortnight’s Railway Stakes (1600m). Rawiller had been booked to retain the ride but copped an untimely suspension in Hong Kong last Wednesday. “It feels terrific and to ride a Group One in Australia is something that I have wanted to do for a long time,” said Whyte. “I have to thank Chris Waller who is such a phenomenal trainer and the connections for affording me the opportunity. “He delivers his horses in impeccable condition and if you can get the right sort of run and produce the goods he makes your job a lot easier. “This horse dug down deep and up until 50m out I didn’t think I would get there but he showed tenacity and really wanted to find the line.” Moriarty, who started favourite, salvaged interstate pride after The Cleaner and Angelic Light were beaten in the Railway Stakes and Winterbottom Stakes respectively. Moriarty, a seven-year-old Clodovil gelding, gave Waller his 10th Group One for the season. “He has been a model of consistency and it was a phenomenal run,” said Waller’s stable spolesperson, Joanne Taylor. “The way he finished off in the Railway I was confident he was going to run well. “He is booked to go home on Tuesday and then he will be aimed at the Brisbane carnival.” Local hope Disposition was gallant in defeat after crossing from a wide draw to sit in third position for jockey, William Pike. WA Guineas winner Rommel raced outside of Disposition but faded over the final 50m to finish seventh. Gai Waterhouses’ Pheidon, ridden by Tommy Berry, ran a disappointing last. It was the only low spot for Berry who rode Palace Intruder and Watermans Bay to minor feature wins earlier.   .

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