Ciaron Maher has secured a new stable at Randwick, taking over the former Leilani Lodge facility in a move that will boost his NSW operations.

Maher was among three applicants for the site, alongside Tulloch Lodge trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, and James Cummings, who withdrew after accepting a role with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The on-course Randwick complex includes 59 boxes and had been left vacant following the licence revocation of Anthony Cummings earlier this year.

It was originally named in honour of Leilani, the star mare trained by Bart Cummings, Anthony’s father.

Maher already operates out of Warwick Farm, Bob’s Farm near Newcastle, and Bong Bong in the Southern Highlands.

ATC’s Head of Racing and Wagering, Nevesh Ramdhani, welcomed the move.

“Ciaron Maher’s new stable at Royal Randwick adds further depth to the strength of training ranks in Sydney,” Ramdhani said.

Maher, whose main hub is at Ballarat, currently leads the national trainers’ premiership with 279 wins and over $57.2 million in prizemoney.