Rock Empire stages remarkable comeback win at Randwick
Narbold appeared to have the ATC Thank You Trainers Handicap (1600m) in the bag when it sprinted clear of Rock Empire, however, the latter displayed immense grit to fight back and snatch the lead in the final strides.
While Maher was absent from Randwick on Saturday, his dependable stable lieutenant, Johann Gerard-Dubois, confirmed the trainer's transition to Crown Lodge at Warwick Farm.
"We handed the keys in for Bong Bong yesterday (Friday)," Gerard-Dubois conveyed.
Maher had been slated to move into the 65-box Leilani Lodge stables at Royal Randwick, but Crown Lodge, which boasts nearly double the capacity, became available at Warwick Farm.
The Australian Turf Club awarded the Leilani Lodge stables to Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott during the week, with their relocation to these iconic racing stables imminent.
Rock Empire, at odds of $17 and ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, became the first of many anticipated winners for Maher from Crown Lodge, overcoming Narbold ($4 favourite) by a half head, with The Creator ($11) a further length and a half behind in third.
"This was the right race for him," Gerard-Dubois remarked regarding Rock Empire.
"His first-up run was very good, he was strong late. He had to go to 1600m today and it would have been nice to have a run in between but the programming didn't quite work for him.
"But he's a very clean-winded horse and he's a very genuine horse. He had to fight hard late but he was brave."
Rock Empire's victory represented Maher's 44th Sydney success from almost 380 starts this season, ensuring he would finish sixth in the trainers' premiership standings.
With Maher now establishing a permanent Sydney base at Crown Lodge, his Sydney race participations are projected to escalate significantly next season, potentially positioning him to contend for a top-three spot in the trainers' premiership.
Compare the latest racing odds from top online bookmakers for this exciting race.
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