Trainer Profile

Ciaron Maher

Ciaron Maher first got involved in the racing industry as a teenager when he worked with a trainer after school each day. From there he started his jockey apprenticeship. He trained as an apprentice with Peter Hayes. He worked two years in Adelaide and two years in Melbourne. After finishing his apprenticeship as a jumps jockey he worked for several trainers in Flemington. He travelled and competed in the Australian versus Ireland jockey challenge and then worked in Ireland and England for a year riding. He returned to Australia before going to work for the United Arab Emirates riding in Dubai for six months.

Ciaron returned to Warrnambool to set himself up as a trainer. He had the foresight that he would become too heavy to ride and had always known that he would eventually become a race horse trainer. By working with such a diverse range of trainers throughout the world, this provided Ciaron with the grounding to establish himself in his own career path in training.

He received his trainer's license in 2005 and began doing what he loves best, training horses. Spectacular Storm was his first winner. The horse won his hurdle race second up at Terang and then went on to win his next start by 8 lengths at Sandown. Spectacular Storm gave Ciaron great satisfaction as the 3 year old rewarded him for his time and effort he put into the horse.

A few of Ciaron's most memorable moments are the Group One win by Tears I Cry at the VRC Emirates Stakes at Flemington in 2007, less than three years after becoming a trainer.

Al Garhood, Ciaron's second horse he ever trained and is still training. Winning back to back Briely Steeplechases 2008-2009 at Warrnambool May Carnival and also back to back Grand Annuals 2010-2011 at the Warrnambool May Carnival, this is a major feat for any horse.

Moudre had a big Spring in 2010 narrowly missing out on a start in the Melbourne Cup but toping it off with a win the Group 2 Queens Cup on VRC Emirates Stakes day

Man of Class winning Grand National Steeplechase 2011

What sets Ciaron apart is his individual attention he gives to each of his horses, ensuring that they have a chance to succeed and the attention to detail in knowing everything he needs to know about his charges. He is a passionate and involved trainer.

"I love the thrill of winning and sharing that thrill with great people." - Ciaron Maher

In 2009 and 2010 Ciaron was awarded the J.J.Houlahan Jumps Championship Trainer Award.

He continues to strive for success and well deserving of his reputation as a leading Victorian trainer.