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Maher finds replacement trainer for six months

Brad Waters - Thursday September 28

Suspended trainer Ciaron Maher has found a replacement to take over his big team from Tuesday.

Ciaron Maher has found someone to take over his big team while he serves his six-month ssuspension. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Maher was given seven days to find a new trainer for more than 200 horses after the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board banned him for six months on Tuesday and fined him $75,000 for engaging in conduct prejudicial to the image of racing.

The charge related to irregularities in the ownership of five horses, including Group I winner Azkadellia, in a case that also involved notorious conman Peter Foster.

Warrnambool trainer Aaron Purcell will take over Maher's stable but told the Warrnambool Standard he would keep his established stable going while taking up the chance to train in town.

"Initially I will be spending a lot of time at Caulfield," Purcell said.

"I've been mates with Ciaron for more than 15 years. I've taken over the employment of all the staff from his stable.

"I'm lucky he has excellent structures put in place with the likes of David and Declan plus the rest of the staff will be there to support me.

"It's going to be a very busy time for me but I'm looking forward to the challenges."

Maher told the newspaper stewards had approved the arrangement, which will run until April 2, after the stipes knocked back options including the trainer's brother Declan or assistant David Eustace taking over the Caulfield Cup-winning trainer's team.

 

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