Holler Second In Moonee Valley Feature

Consistent sprinter Holler failed by only a few centimetres to secure his second successive G1 victory in an emotional William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday, March 24.

Consistent sprinter Holler failed by only a few centimetres to secure his second successive G1 victory in an emotional William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday, March 24.

Holler (John O'Shea/James McDonald) came into the race on the back of a comprehensive victory in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick earlier this month.

But the son of Commands succumbed in the final stride to Flamberge whose success came on his trainer Peter Moody's last day on the job.

"When it's meant to be, it's meant to be," said Holler's trainer John O'Shea.

"That's fate and it's hard to beat it."

Moody announced this week he would be retiring as a trainer after the William Reid meeting having won four Melbourne trainers' championships and guided the career of the unbeaten champion Black Caviar.

Although celebrations were for Flamberge, Holler ran gallantly and well, leading from the start and opening up a one length break with 100m to run.

"He's lost no admirers with that effort," O'Shea said.

"That was a very good performance and we're entitled to be proud of him."

Jockey James McDonald said he had been taken on early and was under pressure from the 250m.

"They had a good crack at him early, but he still found plenty," McDonald said.

"It was a great run, we were just beaten by a horse who had it all his own way."