Maher increases stable presence in Sydney
CHAMPION trainer Ciaron Maher is set to become a powerhouse in Sydney racing.
He plans to have up to 80 horses in work at his expanded Warwick Farm stable base but doesn’t expect to be challenging Chris Waller for premiership honours any time soon.
Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, has been granted an additional 30 boxes at Warwick Farm to complement the 50 horses he has in work at the southwestern Sydney racetrack.
Melbourne’s reigning premier trainer has also purchased a residence in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and intends to spend more time in the Harbour City.
“Sydney and NSW racing is our growth area and we have acquired another 30 boxes at Warwick Farm,’’ Maher said.
“We have also purchased a property on the South Coast. Although that is not set up yet, we plan to develop that in the next few years.’’
Maher and Eustace were leading the Australian trainers’ premiership with 199 wins heading into Wednesday’s meetings at Kensington and Sandown. They are also set to retain their Melbourne trainers’ title with 62 wins already this season, 20 clear of nearest rival Peter Moody.
In Sydney, despite their lack of stable numbers, Maher and Eustace have 26 winners and are top five in the premiership behind Chris Waller on 81.
Maher said the expansion of his Warwick Farm stable base wouldn’t mean they could challenge Waller for Sydney premiership honours.
“I don’t think having 80 boxes will be enough to be competitive for the premiership,’’ he said. “Sydney is where we want to expand our presence, it’s a real growth area for our business.’’
Maher and Eustace have another strong presence at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, the opening day of the Golden Slipper Festival, with three runners in the Group 1 $600,000 Coolmore Classic (1500m) – Ruthless Dame, Times Square and Pride Of Jenni.
The trainers are also looking to boost their Golden Slipper representation with Steel City and Tiz Invincible in the Group 3 $200,000 Magic Night Stakes (1200m) and Idhana in the Group 3 $200,000 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m).