Not far behind him was Bill Molloy who rode 11 consecutive winners on NSW country tracks and in the Hawkesbury area.

Bill Molloy, 79, who passed away at Forbes recently, was a third generation member of at least five generations of Molloys involved in racing as trainers or jockeys.

His grandfather Patrick Molloy was a trainer as was his father Charlie Molloy who prepared the prolific winner Fucemo for Arthur Spackman from Forbes.

Surviving brothers of Bill Molloy, Barry Molloy and Harold “Matey” Molloy are very well known in central districts racing circles.

Barry has been a long-time successful trainer at Forbes while ‘Matey’ now retired in Orange was an outstanding jockey.

‘Matey’ Molloy won the 1964 Group One Doncaster Handicap at Randwick on Persian Puzzle.

Courtesy of a brilliant rails hugging ride by Molloy, Persian Puzzle was able to come from near last on the home turn to win the famous race.

Apart from riding hundreds of winners Bill Molloy was also a very good trainer.

For many years a Corinthian Handicap for amateur riders was held at Randwick at the bank holiday meeting.

In 1969 the Corinthian (1600m) was won by Le Toff trained by Bill Molloy for Harry Sutherland and Mick Farrer from Cowra.

Ridden by Forbes-based Tommy Molloy, Le Toff won by five lengths from More (Allan Middleton) and Happy Ruler (John Langworthy).

This was the first race run past the new Queen Elizabeth II stand at Royal Randwick.

Allan Middleton later rode as an amateur in Hong Kong, while John Langworthy is now a successful trainer at Orange.

Another two generations have followed Bill Molloy into racing.

His son the very popular Bill ‘Brother’ Molloy produced a lot of winners from his Cowra stables including success on Sydney tracks.

‘Brother’ Molloy handed over the reins to his son Andrew Molloy who has earned respect as a talented young trainer.

Soon after gaining his licence, Andrew won the Forbes Cup with Flabbergasted ridden by Joe Galea.

More recently Andrew trained the outstanding At The Show which advanced from a Maiden win at Bedgerebong picnics to numerous good quality TAB track wins.

The now retired At The Show also ran a tremendous race when beating half the field home in the Group Three, Villiers Handicap at Randwick.

Andrew’s brother Allan Molloy is involved in harness racing being a talented trainer and driver with experience in both Australia and overseas.

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TAB meetings have been planned for Mudgee (December 7), Cowra (December 9), Narromine (December 17) and Bathurst (December 22) as well as non-TAB meeting for December 14 at Warren.

Programs have been released, however these are flexible subject to the availability of horses to race with equine influenza travel restrictions still in place.

Trainers are advised to contact the clubs involved and give an indication of how many horses they wish to start and the class of race and district most suitable.

If this information is made available well in advance of closure of nominations, the race programs could be amended to help ensure successful meetings and help trainers to have races to suit their horses.

Wellington (non-TAB on Boxing Day) and Macquarie Picnics at Trangie (December 29) are also scheduled for the month.