Narbold appeared set to claim victory after surging past Rock Empire, but the latter showed great determination to fight back and reclaim the lead in the dying strides of the ATC Thank You Trainers Handicap (1600m).

Despite not being trackside on Saturday, trainer Maher’s reliable stable representative, Johann Gerard-Dubois, confirmed the trainer’s relocation to Crown Lodge at Warwick Farm.

“We handed the keys in for Bong Bong yesterday (Friday),” Gerard-Dubois stated.

Maher was preparing to take up residence in the 65-box Leilani Lodge stables at Royal Randwick when the significantly larger Crown Lodge at Warwick Farm became available.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott were granted the Leilani Lodge stables by the Australian Turf Club earlier in the week and are expected to move into these renowned racing stables shortly.

Rock Empire, a $17 chance under jockey Adam Hyeronimus, marked the first of many winners for Maher from his new Crown Lodge base, securing a hard-fought victory by a half-head over Narbold, the $4 favourite. The Creator finished a further length and a half back in third at $11.

“This was the right race for him,” Gerard-Dubois commented on Rock Empire’s performance.

“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.”

This victory marked Maher’s 44th Sydney winner from close to 380 starts this season, positioning him for sixth place in the trainers’ premiership rankings.

However, with Maher now establishing a permanent Sydney presence out of Crown Lodge, his Sydney starters are expected to increase substantially in the upcoming season, potentially challenging for a top-three position in the trainers’ premiership.

Explore the latest racing odds and betting markets for upcoming races at leading Australian betting sites.