From farm paddock to Flemington: trainer's mother doubted his Melbourne Cup odds
Trainer Ciaron Maher left the family farm with five horses and now has seven runners in the $10 million Melbourne Cup.
Ciaron Maher left his family's Winslow property near Warrnambool decades ago with just five horses and a dream of training in Melbourne. His mother Eileen watched from the farmhouse and thought he would be back within about two weeks.
Today, Maher ranks among Australia's leading trainers alongside Chris Waller. He has won every major race in the country, including the $20 million Everest twice in three years.
On Tuesday, he runs seven horses in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington. Maher believes his mare Shockletz, carrying the lightest weight at 51 kilograms, is definitely in his best three hopes for the cup.
His other runners include Middle Earth, who finished third in last year's Cup. Eileen, now 78, will be trackside with her rosary beads, praying for a second Melbourne Cup win after his first triumph in 2022 with Gold Trip.
- 5
- Horses when he left farm
- 7
- Melbourne Cup runners
- 2022 with Gold Trip
- First Cup win
- 2 in 3 years, each $20 million
- Everest wins
Why it mattersThe story illustrates how determination and skill can overcome humble beginnings, and gives racing fans context on one of Tuesday's major contenders.
AustraliaThe Melbourne Cup is Australia's most famous horse race, and Maher's success reflects the country's vibrant racing culture and his status as a leading figure in Australian sport.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
