Trainer Ciaron Maher has etched his name in the history books, becoming the first conditioner to achieve a trifecta in the prestigious Melbourne Cup.
Maher presented seven contenders in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup (3200m) held at Flemington, with Point Of Law emerging victorious.
Sent off as the $7 favourite under the guidance of jockey Ethan Brown, Point Of Law crossed the finish line a commanding 3-¾ lengths ahead of Zahraan ($26), with Juja Kibo ($14) a short-head further back in third.
The early pace-setter, Royal Supremacy ($51), fought on tenaciously to secure fifth place, having established a substantial lead of approximately 15 lengths by the 800-metre mark. Shockletz ($10) finished in sixth position.
Middle Earth ($17) claimed tenth place, while Mr Monaco ($26) was the least successful of Maher’s runners, finishing 17th.
The trifecta combination yielded a substantial dividend of $2644.50 for a $1 investment.
Will Bourne, Ciaron Maher’s racing manager, successfully sourced Point Of Law from His Majesty The King for Australian clients, with the colt undergoing preparation for the Melbourne Cup while in quarantine at Werribee.
Remarkably, Point Of Law was making only his sixth career start and earned his spot in the Melbourne Cup by clinching a ‘Golden Ticket’ in the Geelong Cup (2400m) during his Australian debut on October 21.
Maher, who previously clinched the Cup in 2022 with Gold Trip while in partnership with David Eustace, was confident in his team’s chances for Tuesday’s event.
“We just had to execute,” Maher stated.
“I certainly didn’t know that Royal Supremacy would go and lead by that far but nothing better than a true staying test,” Maher added.
“Point Of Law has just thrived and I can’t thank all the team enough, all the owners, what a ride they have been on.
“It’s been a whirlwind really.”
Maher noted that the world was now at the feet of Point Of Law, emphasizing that Tuesday’s triumph was the Northern Hemisphere-bred three-year-old colt’s sixth race outing.
“He’s obviously very talented,” Maher commented.
“He’s won that very well and he’s a European three-year-old still. I think he’s got a bright future, a big engine and should be a lot of fun.”
Maher expressed his gratitude to his Head Of Bloodstock, Will Bourne, for his instrumental role in acquiring Point Of Law for the stable.
“He spends a lot of time overseas and sometimes I think I work for him, I’m at work and he’s overseas,” Maher remarked.
“All the connections he’s made, he’s got an eye for it.”
Jockey Ethan Brown, who had contemplated retirement following a severe fall at Flemington three-and-a-half years prior, shared his early aspirations upon arriving in Melbourne from Alice Springs as an apprentice.
“I thought I would come to Melbourne and try and ride a few winners,” Brown said.
“I have had great support throughout my career.
“It’s been a bumpy road, had a lot of challenges thrown my way, I’m obviously not the only one but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
“It’s days like this that make it all worth it.”
The victory on Tuesday further highlights Maher’s exceptional season. He currently leads the Australian premiership standings and, in addition to the Melbourne Cup, secured The Everest with Tempted last month. This latest success has propelled the trainer’s earnings past the $30 million mark for the season.
For those looking to back the next big winner, consider exploring the extensive racing odds available at leading Australian betting sites.