Ciaron Maher imports to target the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup

Posted by RS NewsWire at 4:07pm on August 1st

Ciaron Maher Racing is set to strengthen its spring racing prospects with the addition of eight horses currently based in Newmarket, UK, which are scheduled to fly to Australia in September.

After a successful season, Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace, the training partners, are preparing to introduce a mix of experienced gallopers and emerging talents for the upcoming major races.

The contingent includes three key horses: Cox Plate hopefuls Light Infantry and New Energy, along with Melbourne Cup contender Saint George.

Light Infantry, formerly trained by David Simcock, is set to have one more run in Europe before joining Maher’s stable.

New Energy, a son of New Bay, will potentially compete in the King Charles Stakes in Sydney before targeting the Cox Plate in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Saint George, a Northern Hemisphere three-year-old by Roaring Lion, impressed with a third-place finish in the G2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, making him a promising Melbourne Cup candidate.

The majority of the group will arrive in Australia on September 14, while Zoology and Nails Murphy will join a later flight on September 29.

These new additions are expected to enhance Ciaron Maher Racing’s chances for the upcoming spring racing season.

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