‘Bittersweet’ goodbye

Eustace will be missed following his Hong Kong move

Ciaron Maher Racing has confirmed Melbourne Cup-winning co-trainer David Eustace will finish up with the stable at the end of next month and move to Hong Kong.

Racenet on Monday revealed Eustace was in the Hong Kong Jockey Club sights as a marquee target.

The Maher-Eustace combination has netted more than 1600 winners, including 30 at the highest level.

Their record includes the past four Victorian/Melbourne premierships and last season the pair ended Chris Waller’s four-season reign as Australia’s champion trainer for most winners across the country.

“This is a real bittersweet moment for CMR,” Maher said in a statement on Thursday.

“Bitter because it will be difficult to replace someone with David’s skills and work ethic – and just a great human being.

“Sweet as it’s a fitting reward for David and at the same time gives us a great opportunity to continue to evolve and develop.”

Englishman Eustace is the fourth co-trainer/assistant to develop under Maher and embark on a business of his own, following in the footsteps of Annabel Neasham, Lucy Yeomans and Jack Bruce.

“In elite sport there is always fluidity at the top,” Maher said.

“The best and most successful operations recognise this and plan accordingly.

“We have a basic rule of thumb: everyone in a senior position must be replaceable – and that includes me.

“Even losing someone of David’s skills gives our highly talented group of assistants the opportunity to step up and have an even greater input, and with that will come new thinking and fresh initiatives.”

The Eustace to Hong Kong rumour swirled the past 12 months, especially as the Asian racing jurisdiction was hungry for fresh talent with a European background especially.

“A man of David’s profile and reputation was always going to be in hot demand,” Maher said.

“This has allowed for us to plan for this for over 12 months and I am confident that we’ve never been in a better position to absorb this departure.”

Maher assistants Johann Gerard-Dubord (Sydney), Jack Turnbull (Cranbourne) and brother Declan (Ballarat) will fill the void left by Eustace.

“Obviously I am thrilled to be offered the position in Hong Kong,” Eustace said.