Maher moves into Ballarat stables vacated by Weir
CIARON Maher Racing has secured the Ballarat stables formerly owned and occupied by Darren Weir and will start operating out of the complex immediately.
The Ballarat Turf Club announced the move yesterday and Racing Victoria has given approval for the training partnership of Maher and David Eustace to replace Weir at the stable formerly known as Forest Lodge.
Weir on Wednesday was disqualified for four years by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on charges of possessing three electronic devices known as jiggers.
RV said the transfer of horses must remain on an individual basis by application of the owners and be approved by stewards.
Maher and Eustace will not be allowed to nominate any horse under the care of Weir at the time of his disqualification until they have been transferred with the approval of stewards.
“We trust this morning’s announcement by the Ballarat Turf Club and Ciaron Maher Racing will be welcomed by those staff affected by Darren Weir’s disqualification and provide them with greater cer- tainty about their immediate working future after a challenging week,” RV chief executive Giles Thompson said.
“This also presents a viable option for those owners of Mr Weir’s who would like their horses to remain in their current training environment.”
Maher has entered a lease agreement for other stables at Ballarat leased by Weir.
“This is a huge opportunity for Ciaron Maher Racing to take over a premier training facility,” Maher said.
“Our business is well structured to facilitate this addition, both practically and administratively, and our key priority is to ensure a swift takeover with minimal disruption to the staff and horses there.
“We already provide a vast array of training options and locations for our horses.
“Adding a country training facility provides yet another string to our bow and we believe this will be of great benefit to our current owners and, hopefully, new ones.”