History repeats for Maher, Brown in 2025 Bagot Handicap

Ciaron Maher and Ethan Brown signed off on a stellar 2025 by landing the final black-type race of the year with Future History at Flemington.

The elite trainer-jockey combination claimed the $175,000 Listed Bagot Handicap, adding another staying feature to their growing list of successes.

The pair have now won the 2800-metre contest twice, having previously combined with San Huberto three years ago.

Brown said the Bagot victory was a fitting finale to a year that included three Group 1 wins aboard Jimmysstar and an Australian Cup success with Light Infantryman.

“It’s been a great ’25 and it’s great to top it off with a Stakes win with Ciaron,” Brown said.

“He’s been my number one seed throughout last season and good horses like Jimmysstar and Light Infantryman were big highlights.

“All’s well that ends well and hopefully we can carry it on to next year.”

With strong winds whipping across Flemington on New Year’s Eve, Brown kept things simple aboard 60kg topweight Future History.

The import rolled forward into a comfortable rhythm, setting manageable sectionals before being challenged as the field straightened.

After fending off Garachico, Future History dug deep to repel a late run from Wealdstone.

The $3.20 market leader prevailed by three-quarters-of-a-length over Wealdstone ($31), while fellow Maher runner Interpretation ($6) finished the same margin back in third.

“He’s a dream to ride, he just gets himself into a lovely rhythm, I just worked with him, and I didn’t want to overthink the wind too much,” Brown said.

“He had a big weight, so he was better off just rolling along then I clicked him up at the 700 and he was full of running all the way through the line.”

The victory was the ninth of Future History’s career and added to his standout 2023 win in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m).

Full betting markets for Flemington staying races are available via the Australian betting sites list.