Ciaron Maher’s Sights Set on Australian Spring Carnival After Royal Ascot Success
In the world of horse racing, trainer Ciaron Maher is already mapping out his plans for the upcoming Australian spring carnival after a promising performance by one of his horses at Royal Ascot.
Maher, who co-owns a four-year-old with Qatar Racing, was pleased with the horse’s third-place finish in the prestigious Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting. “He was a little bit slow into gear and they only went a moderate tempo, but he closed off really well,” Maher told racing.com.
Now, the Melbourne Cup is firmly on the agenda, with the Caulfield Cup also likely to feature in the horse’s schedule. “We’ll just work out where he is in terms of handicapping, but we’re very excited to get him out here. I’d say the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups would be the go,” Maher said.
The talented trainer also has his eye on another promising young prospect, Pentle Bay, a New Bay colt he now owns in partnership with Teme Valley Racing. Maher is considering the Caulfield Guineas for the juvenile, despite the challenges of campaigning a Northern Hemisphere-bred horse in the early part of the Australian season.
“He’s obviously got some ability, he’s bred to get over ground and you wouldn’t think a New Bay should be doing what he’s doing. He’s got plenty of options,” Maher said.
Additionally, Maher will be overseeing the Australian campaign of Sayedaty Sadaty, a horse purchased by Australian Bloodstock after finishing fifth in the Epsom Derby for trainer Andrew Balding. Luke Murrell of Australian Bloodstock believes the horse will be better suited to the 2400-meter Melbourne Cup distance.
“Our trick is we have to beat the handicapper, but we need to make sure we get into the race,” Murrell said. “He is probably going to be better suited at 2400 metres at this early stage. But he definitely profiles like he will stick on for a Melbourne Cup. He was third-up into the Derby, so his next two runs should hopefully be impressive and that will give us a better indication.”
With a stable of promising horses and a clear focus on the Australian spring carnival, Ciaron Maher and his connections are gearing up for an exciting and potentially successful season ahead.
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