Maher relieved Azkadellia case is over

Brad Waters - Tuesday September 26

Caulfield Cup-winning trainer Ciaron Maher says he is relieved that his case is over despite receiving a six-month suspension and a $75,000 fine on Monday.

Advertisement
Ciaron Maher's career is on hold for the next six months. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Maher pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct prejudicial to the image, or interests or welfare of racing after admitting he failed to take action to determine the right ownership of Group I winner Azkadellia and four other horses.

Maher sent a message to his owners outlining the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board verdict on Monday afternoon.

"As you have probably just heard, I have pleaded guilty to (breaching) Section 175A, and today the RAD board have suspended me for six months and fined me $75,000. The suspension starts on the 2nd October," Maher's message read.

"While I am disappointed to find myself in this situation, I am relieved a decision has finally been made. I would like to thank the RAD board for their consideration of my case.

"The past 12 months have certainly taken a toll on my health; however, I have an incredibly supportive and talented team at Ciaron Maher Racing who will be able to ensure the smooth running of the operation in the interim.

"I would like to thank the team at Ciaron Maher Racing, my loyal owners and all those close to me for their ongoing support and trust. I will keep you fully informed with the next steps."

While Maher was relieved to have the case resolved, Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey said the investigation was a "very long, drawn-out" probe.

"As far as the investigation goes, it involved a lot of people and it had a lot of speed humps all the way," Bailey said.

"It shouldn't have taken as long (as it did)."

Bailey said Maher would need to meet with stewards before determining the arrangements for his large stable for the next six months until he is able to return on April 2 next year.

Advertisment
More Reading...
From FNQ To Sha Tin - Aussie Bred Sprinter Wins G2 Premier Bowl
Some horses arrive in Hong Kong with a very different back story - Fresh from winning the $20million The Everest with Ka Ying Rising, David Hayes was back in the winner’s list at Sha Tin on Sunday when Tomodachi Kokoroe won the Group II Premier Bowl (1200m).
New Cup Goal for Wolfgang
It may not be the Cup target they were aiming for, but Wolfgang put himself firmly into Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) calculations following his victory in the SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Prelude (2400m) at Te Rapa on Monday.
Maher finds replacement trainer for six months
Suspended trainer Ciaron Maher has found a replacement to take over his big team from Tuesday.
Impressive First winner for Armory
Mapperley Stud stallion Armory recorded his first winner on Sunday when his two-year-old daughter Silhouette raced to a dominant victory in the Fusion Electrical Two-Year-Old (900m) at Trentham.
First Winner for King of Comedy
Novara Park Stud stallion King Of Comedy (IRE) is on the board as a sire, with his son Sir Ruby becoming his first winner when victorious over 1300m at Selangor Turf Club in Malaysia on Sunday.
No questions asked led to Ciaron Maher's six-month ban
Ciaron Maher simply did not ask enough questions and that failure led to him receiving a six-month suspension and a $75,000 fine on Monday.
Connolly to face the music in Azkadellia case next week
The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board will hear the latest stage of the Azkadellia case next Monday.
Pedigree Potential –NZB Ready to Run – Nicks that Click
A quality packed catalogue for the 2025 NZB Ready to Run Sale (November 12 and 13) is online with breeze up video now in place and in the lead up to the sale we’ll go looking each week for some horses of interest that jump out on pedigree for various reasons.
Stewards reject brother or assistant taking over Maher team
Racing Victoria chief steward Terry Bailey has rejected the idea of Ciaron Maher’s brother or assistant trainer taking over his big Caulfield team when he starts a six-month suspension on Monday.
Wootton Bassett and Camelot 2YO Colts Win Final French Group Ones
The last French Group I races of their flat season were run on Sunday and Aidan O’Brien produced the winners of both the Group I Criterium International (1600m) and Group I Criterium de Saint Cloud (1800m).