World stage beckons for Maher's Melbourne Cup hero

Ciaron Maher, a trainer celebrated for his expertise with distance horses, oversees Australia's most substantial training operation. His impressive record includes securing victories in two of the nation's most gruelling contests – the Grand Annual Steeplechase and the Jericho Cup – both achieved in his home town of Warrnambool, alongside the prestigious Melbourne Cup.

Amidst the elation following a second triumph in the Melbourne Cup, this time with Point Of Law, Maher was questioned about his ultimate racing ambition.

"I've always thought that if I had a horse good enough, the Ascot Gold Cup (at Royal Ascot in England) would be a nice race to have a horse run in," Maher declared.

"Whether he's up to that this year, or next year, whether it's at all, but I think he's world class.

"If he keeps developing, which you can see in the shape of him, the frame of him, he's still got a lot of furnishing to do, it wouldn't surprise me if he could race in some of the best races around the world."

Point Of Law, a three-year-old colt bred in the Northern Hemisphere, achieved victory in the Melbourne Cup on just his sixth career start. Maher observed that the colt seemed somewhat subdued when presented for inspection on Wednesday.

"He's pretty good, but he knows he's had a run, I think," Maher mentioned.

"He's normally pretty playful, but he was happy just to chill out there today.

"It's pretty phenomenal in his first preparation really as we've only had him for a short amount of time, so it's pretty surreal."

The trainer indicated that discussions regarding a future path would involve sitting down with the ownership group over some refreshments.

He anticipates that the Melbourne Cup will be a significant part of these conversations, with the possibility of another campaign in Australia's most famous race being considered.

"I would hope so, and I'm sure the owners would too, but the handicapper does catch up with you pretty quick in that race," Maher conceded.

"We'll nut out a bit of a plan over a few drinks and something to eat today and you wouldn't rule out going back to England or Dubai, there's some nice races there.

"It should be good fun, but we're mindful that he is still raw."

Maher demonstrates a keen understanding of equine athletes and is also progressive in his application of scientific methods and data analysis for his substantial team.

"The art of training is peaking a horse on a certain day," Maher stated.

"To get seven into a target race like that and have five of them finish in the top six and three in the top three, I'm very proud of the team and their efforts.

"Everyone uses data and systems, better efficiencies.

"I always look at the way humans are trained, like footy players, compared to the way they were trained 10 years ago. The change is huge compared to the way they used to train, and I think horse racing is no different.

"The only difference is obviously they can't talk."

Maher revealed he had received a message from John Warren, the racing manager for His Majesty The King, following Point Of Law's victory in the Geelong Cup.

He was uncertain if further communication had been received post-Melbourne Cup, but Maher conceded he was still navigating the considerable number of well-wishers.

Maher commented that it would likely be an emotionally complex situation for The King, having previously sold Point Of Law to the trainer and associated parties. However, Maher recalled experiencing a similar scenario the preceding year when Half Yours secured both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

"I know exactly how he would be feeling because I did it the year before," Maher confirmed.

"It can be a funny game racing, and it would be bittersweet, I would imagine."

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