AS an Aussie rules footballer, Ciaron Maher made an outstanding racehorse trainer.
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Playing at Koroit in junior premiership sides, Maher’s best position was warming the bench but while on the pine his mind wandered to matters relating to racing on Saturday afternoons.
When Koroit are chasing their fourth consecutive premiership victory at the Reid Oval on Saturday, Maher will be in Sydney hoping months of hard work will culminate in a race that matters most for his unbeaten colt Merchant Navy in the $1million Golden Rose at Rosehill.
Maher, who is pleased with Merchant Navy’s progress towards the group one classic, is hoping his old club can register its ninth senior premiership in the Hampden Football Netball League.
“It’s a remarkable achievement by Koroit,” he said.
“Their record for a small country town over the last few years in both footy and netball is outstanding.
“I hope I’ve got a few reasons to celebrate on Saturday night. I’ve been happy with Merchant Navy’s efforts.
“He’s been in Sydney for nearly a week.
“His work at Rosehill on Tuesday morning was solid.
“He’s drawn a good barrier. He should run well.”
Aloisia, Here To There and Bons Away are Maher’s runners at Caulfield on Saturday.
Last start Moonee Valley winner Magnapal runs for Warrnambool trainer Daniel Bowman in the $150,000 Foundation Cup.
Warrnambool-based trainer Matthew Williams’s outsider Clairvaux and Darren Weir’s Warrnambool satellite stable has a strong hand at the meeting.