Maher wants to return after ban
SUSPENDED for six months and fined $75,000 after being found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the image of racing, star trainer Ciaron Maher wants to return to training when his ban ends.
But his immediate future – and that of hundreds of his horses – is clouded after one of Melbourne’s leading spring players was sidelined for his role in an ownership scandal involving conman Peter Foster. Maher has been given a week to organise stabling arrangements – and new trainers, subject to stewards’ approval – for stars including Jukebox and Merchant Navy.
Maher’s assistant trainer David Eustace is believed to be one of the possible contenders.
Clearly shaken, Maher said: “I’m just glad the matter has come to an end and I look forward to the future and just moving on. It’s a penalty and we’ll work through it. There’s a lot to get through but, as I said, we’ll work that out.”
The Racing And Disciplinary Board accepted Maher did not know of Foster’s clandestine interest in five horses, including high class mare Azkadellia. the Group 1 winner was sold to Maher’s former racing manager Ben Connolly for only $60,000 despite being conservatively valued at $2 million as a racing and breeding prospect. Stewards allege Connolly was a foil for Foster.