Ciaron Maher

Welcome to the Dynamic Syndications webpage for:
AUSTRALIA'S NUMBER 1 TRAINER

CIARON MAHER

CIARON MAHER

CIARON MAHER & DEAN WATT (Dynamic Syndications)

Ciaron Maher & James McDonald

Across Eight (8) Premium Training Facilities:

Located across Australia, CMR's eight premium training facilities give them the space and flexibility needed to develop champions.

Under the watchful eyes of their expert training team, every horse is well-cared for in the environment best suited to achieving peak health and performance.

Victoria:

Ballarat (Miners Rest)
Cranbourne
Pakenham (Spelling & Pre-Training)
Fingal (Mornington Peninsula)

New South Wales:

Royal Randwick
Warwick Farm
Bong Bong (Moss Vale)
Bobs Farm (Anna Bay, Newcastle)

Dynamic Duo - CIARON MAHER & James McDonald

CIARON MAHER - Data as at
1st August 2024

2,332 Wins inc 46 Gr1 Wins

23/24 Racing Season By Numbers:
(Australian Premiership Figures (22/23))

Race Wins
343 (346)    Wins    Rank #1 (Rank #1)

Group 1
10 (11)        Wins    Rank #2

Black Type
38 (35)        Wins    Rank #2

National Prizemoney
$52m ($36m)        Rank #2

Prizemoney Per Start
$23k ($19k)

CIARON MAHER RACING stands as a "beacon of excellence" in Australia’s training sector, fuelled by unwavering passion, rigorous discipline and innovative approaches.

Yet, at the heart of their success are the dedicated Owners, passionate Fans, and steadfast Supporters.

Keeping you involved and informed is their top priority.

CIARON MAHER – HEAD TRAINER

CIARON MAHER celebrates having trained Dynamic Sprinter I AM ME to Win the $2m Sydney Stakes

Don’t let his laid-back demeanour mislead anybody, under his curly locks lies a uncompromising and intelligent approach to training many of the best horses in the country.

Starting from a humble six boxes on his dad’s dairy farm, to one of the best training facilities in the world, Ciaron Maher has come a long way.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ciaron started off as Apprentice to CS Hayes, back then he was a successful jumps jockey, advancing to a natural leader to include captaining the Australia Team against Ireland in the International Jockey Challenge, Ciaron soon realised his size would deny his riding ambitions.

Despite that, his love for racing and his natural interest and curiosity in training, saw him commit to a career as a trainer at a young age.

Knowing you “learn best from the best,” Ciaron spent time with Bart Cummings, Aiden O’Brien and Willie Mullins, before starting off in his own right, with 6 boxes. Ciaron is acutely aware you never stop learning, and to this day he continues to connect with the greats.

Just recently he spent time with Wesley Ward (USA), Roger Charlton (UK) and Richard Hannon (UK), Andre Fabre (France) and Joseph O’Brien (IRE).

Ciaron is very happy to be based in what he describes as the best training facility he’s seen anywhere in the world – which are his stables at Ballarat, one of seven sensational properties under management.

Johann Gerard-Dubord
Assistant Trainer

Three Locations: Royal Randwick, Warwick Farm, Bong Bong & Bobs Farm.

A French native who grew up on and around a racetrack, being from a family of Thoroughbred breeders.

Joh gained experience in the UK and USA as well as France before moving to Australia in 2014.

Joh has been based in Sydney since arriving here, initially with Godolphin for three and a half years, before joining the CMR team in March 2020.

Jack Turnbull
Assistant Trainer

Two Locations: Cranbourne & Fingal (VIC)

Having joined the stable in August 2021 from Mike Moroney stables, Jack spent his first 27 months as our Assistant Trainer at Ballarat, where he quickly established himself as a talented, hard-working leader who adapted quickly to the large number of horses in his care.

After spending more time at our Peninsula bases, he was the obvious choice to take over at Cranbourne in April 2023, and now leads the team across Cranbourne and Fingal.

CMR Experience: Frequently Asked Questions

Who will I hear from throughout my ownership journey?

A combination of Trainer, Assistant Trainers, Racing Managers, and our best-in-class Communications Teams will keep Dynamic Syndications informed about your horse and Adam & Peter from Team Dynamic will keep you updated and engaged throughout.

What forms of communication are used?

Prism, the Horse Racing Management Platform, to provide owners with a combination of written updates, photos, video, pre-race and post-race audio reports, as well as their sports science and race planning graphics. A recent survey revealed over 81% of the stable’s owners gave their experience an 8 or higher out of 10 when asked to rate the quality of the updates.

How often will I be updated?

Naturally, update frequencies will vary, but the underlying philosophy of affording owners industry-leading information in a timely manner ensures you are equipped with detailed, up-to-date knowledge of your horse. A recent survey revealed over 85% of owners believed they provided the ‘right amount’ of updates.

When can I visit my horse?

The Ciaron Maher Stables hold bi-annual open days at each of our training locations and are happy to cater for visitations throughout the year by prior appointment through the Dynamic Syndications office.

They’re also always on the front foot in notifying owners of their horse’s forthcoming jump-outs and trials, which we welcome your attendance at.

How is my horse’s race placement decided?

Your horse will benefit from the stable's “best-in-class training team” with weekly tactics meetings, short—and long-term race planning, and, given their scale, the ability to be placed across multiple racing jurisdictions.

CMR works in closely with Dynamic Syndications ensuring micro-management of your horse on a daily basis and we work together to deliver Dynamic Owners an incredible rate of success.

This ensures together, we’re able to best place your horse, maximising potential prizemoney and taking advantage of the applicable race series and bonus schemes.

How do they incorporate sports science and data?

Prevention is always better than cure and being "in the know when to go" is paramount.

The stable employs a six-member Sports Science and Data team who are at the industry frontline, cultivating international racing and non-racing insights in pioneering and integrating some of the industry’s most advanced training methodologies.

Working in partnership with their globally schooled training teams ensures your horse is thriving when asked to compete and capable of reaching its maximum potential.

Coupling sports science methodologies and data analytics, their team helps frame your horse’s training regime, ensuring horse welfare, and affording it that competitive advantage.

Our internally constructed database is always collating race data, training insights, and scheduling ensures your horse is afforded its optimal race placement, along with its integral contribution to our customer insights and general business operations in the quest to provide you with a superior racehorse ownership experience.

What happens after my horse retires?

Naturally, members of the ownership group can request that they rehome the horse once its racing career comes to an end.

Alternatively, CMR works closely with ‘Racing Hearts’, which is an organisation that offers retired racehorses a new lease on life through retraining and integration into equine-assisted therapy programs for humans.

Finally, the Bloodstock Team also have an extensive rehoming register made up of breeders, current and former owners, and general supporters of the stable who have registered an interest in rehoming one of our retired racehorses.

What about training fees?

Training fees are billed monthly, generally during the second week of each month, with a 14-day payment term.

Your bill will include a daily training fee, feed and supplements, related track fees, Workcover, race day staffing, agistment, farrier work, and general maintenance of your horse.

What payment methods are offered?

Billing can be addressed by bank transfer, an online payment merchant in ‘Thoroughbred Payments’ and via direct debit. Further details will be provided on your invoice.

Where will my horse be located?

Given our scale and the state-of-the-art systems we have implemented, your horse will be afforded the ability to be placed across multiple racing jurisdictions and to be located in training environments that best serve its mental and physical needs.

At present, we utilise three training facilities in VIC and NSW, respectively, with a handful of other ancillary locations for spelling, freshen-ups and rehabilitation.

What are some of the other benefits of owning a horse with Ciaron Maher Racing?

Our dedicated events team works tirelessly to ensure you feel a part of the CMR community. They organize Open Days, Charity Galas, International Racing Tours, Member Discounts with Corporate Partnerships, Personalized Merchandise, and Raceday Functions.

Sport Science & Data Analytics

At Ciaron Maher Racing, they also blend the latest in Sports Science and Data Analytics to take their racing performance to new heights.

The Sports Science team works closely with everyone involved, using scientific insights to improve training and make smarter decisions.

On the data front, we gather a wealth of information from races, ratings, and biomechanical data.

By applying AI (machine learning), they turn this data into actionable insights for better race strategies and training programs. This powerful combination sets them apart, driving success and innovation at Ciaron Maher Racing.

The Components Of Sport Science:

GPS & Recovery Work Data
Race Sectionals
Lactate Acid Readings
Horse Management Data
Genetic Testing
Pedigree Ratings
Race Scheduling Data
Jump Outs / Trial Data
Benchmark and WFA Ratings

Recovery

Recovery strategies at CMR, include: use of Hypoxic Chambers, 24/7 monitoring, electromagnetic pulse therapy, and hyperbaric chambers, are all essential for enhancing horses’ adaptation to training, accelerating repair, and preventing injuries.

Genetics

A Speed Gene Test helps determine each horse’s optimal race distance by analysing the Myostatin gene, crucial for muscle development. This genetic insight, combined with other factors, guides training for peak performance at their best distance. This is used to complement the Dynamic Syndications Enick and Geonick genetic model that looks at statistically proven nicks in every pedigree. When the Speed Gene Test is added to the Enick and Geonick model this gives the greatest opportunity to forecast potential ability.

Nutrition

Tailored nutrition plans are crucial for meeting the energy needs of racehorses at different training stages. Collaborating with experts, CMR is developing custom feeding programs to enhance gut health and performance, backed by feed trials.

Cardiovascular/Metabolic System

Monitoring heart rate, oxygen volume (VO2max), lactate threshold, and heart rate recovery helps track fitness progress and ensure training effectiveness. Training adjustments are made based on a horse’s aerobic and anaerobic capacities.

Biomechanics

Analysing movement through biomechanics improves performance techniques and reduces injury risk in horse racing.

Data on stride length and frequency inform race distance and tactics, while observations on different track surfaces predict race day performance.

Katrina Anderson
Head Of Sport Science

Katrina, a University of Melbourne Master of Veterinary Science graduate and part of the Equine Limb Injury Prevention Research Program, brings a blend of international athletics competition and comprehensive racing industry experience. Her passion for innovative training methods and sports science uniquely positions her to integrate cutting-edge practices into horse racing.

Originally from New Zealand, Katrina graduated with a Master’s degree in Equine Research at the University of Melbourne while at the same time training as a international level athlete.

Katrina is passionate about implementing new, innovative training methods that utilise sport science. By combining her knowledge of equine research and elite level training, Katrina is excited about the opportunity to marry horsemanship and science to improve performance as well as horse welfare.

Josh Kadlec-Kavanagh
Head of Data & Insights

With a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from RMIT and seven years in the wagering industry, Josh boasts deep expertise in thoroughbred racing performance ratings and market modelling. His experience spans across notable organizations like Tennis Australia and Sunshine Coast Lightning, where he played a key role in establishing performance units.

How We Use Data To Optimise Performance:

Effective Race Programming

Analysing past performances and ratings allows us to select races that maximise our horses’ chances of winning and supports their long-term development.

Assessment And Understanding

Using sectional timings and performance ratings we can assess our horses’ abilities over their careers, helping us predict future successes and identify promising talent early.

Optimised Training Programs

Our detailed review of training sessions, incorporating GPS and recovery data, ensures our horses are at their peak fitness for race day, tailoring each program to their specific needs.

Owners are VIPs & Always Come First -
We invite you to Join our
Dynamic / Ciaron Maher Team

Stay Informed

If you’re overseas, interstate or you’re just not a fan of the early starts, you can always watch your horse’s professionally-filmed track work from the convenience of your smart phone, laptop or smart TV.

Communication is very important for Owners, it’s what keeps Owners involved.

Owners want to know and some trainers and racing people don’t understand how much they desire to know what’s happening.

The more we give our Owners, the happier they are.

The stable started doing videos of the gallops on Tuesday mornings and got really positive feedback. We are trying to be as informative as we can and keep connections and owners in touch with the horse and how it’s going.

Technology has advanced and the industry has to do the same. Previously owners only saw their horses on raceday but now they get weekly videos or photos or voice reports and it’s really important that we keep improving that service.

Training – Proven Success

Ciaron’s first Racing Season as a Trainer was in 2005/06.

In his first season as a trainer, he started horses in 67 Races for 7 Wins and 17 Placings.

His most successful horse that year was All Garhood who had 12 starts: 3 Wins and 6 placings.

He also won a race with Spectacular Storm, Three Kings and Our Lotto.

Now at the start of his 20th Race Season as a Trainer - from his previous 19 seasons Ciaron Maher trained:

As at 1st August 2024

Total Wins 2,332 (17%)

Gr1 Winners 46

46     71    119   75
G1    G2    G3    LR

Ciaron's 46 Gr1 Winners & Race Wins by Year & Distance:

2024 = 6

2024	BELLA NIPOTINA	DOOMBEN 10,000	DOOM	3U OPEN G1	1200
2024	BELLA NIPOTINA	TATTERSALL'S TIARA	E FM	FM OPEN G1	1400
2024	SOUTHPORT TYCOON	AUST GUINEAS	FLEM	3 OPEN G1	1600
2024	PRIDE OF JENNI	QUEEN ELIZABETH S	RAND	3U OPEN G1	2000
2024	SOCKS NATION	QUEENSLAND OAKS	E FM	3F OPEN G1	2200
2024	CIRCLE OF FIRE	SYDNEY CUP	RAND	3U OPEN G1	3200

2023 = 10

2023	COOLANGATTA	LIGHTNING	FLEM	OPEN G1	1000
2023	ROYAL MERCHANT	GOODWOOD	MORP	3U OPEN G1	1200
2023	RUTHLESS DAME	ROBERT SANGSTER	MORP	2UFM OPEN G1	1200
2023	KING COLORADO	J.J. ATKINS	E FM	2 OPEN G1	1600
2023	PRIDE OF JENNI	CHAMPIONS MILE	FLEM	3U OPEN G1	1600
2023	PRIDE OF JENNI	EMPIRE ROSE	FLEM	3UFM OPEN G1	1600
2023	GRIFF	CAULFIELD GUINEAS	CAUL	3 OPEN G1	1600
2023	GOLD TRIP	TURNBULL STAKES	FLEM	4U OPEN G1	2000
2023	AFFAIRE A SUIVRE	AUSTRALASIAN OAKS	MORP	3F OPEN G1	2000
2023	EXPLOSIVE JACK	SYDNEY CUP	RAND	3U OPEN G1	3200

2022 = 10

2022	COOLANGATTA	MOIR STAKES	M V	3U OPEN G1	1000
2022	MARABI	OAKLEIGH PLATE	CAUL	OPEN G1	1100
2022	SNAPDANCER	ROBERT SANGSTER	MORP	2UFM OPEN G1	1200
2022	BELLA NIPOTINA	MANIKATO STAKES	M V	3U OPEN G1	1200
2022	SNAPDANCER	MEMSIE STAKES	CAUL	3U OPEN G1	1400
2022	LIGHTHOUSE	COOLMORE CLASSIC	RHIL	3UFM OPEN G1	1500
2022	HITOTSU	AUST. GUINEAS	FLEM	3 OPEN G1	1600
2022	SMOKIN' ROMANS	TURNBULL STAKES	FLEM	4U OPEN G1	2000
2022	HITOTSU	ATC AUST. DERBY	RAND	3 OPEN G1	2400
2022	GOLD TRIP	MELBOURNE CUP	FLEM	3U OPEN G1	3200

2021 = 4

2021	EXPLOSIVE JACK	ATC AUST DERBY	RAND	3 OPEN G1	2400
2021	SIR DRAGONET	HE TANCRED STAKES	RHIL	3U OPEN G1	2400
2021	HITOTSU	VICTORIA DERBY	FLEM	3 OPEN G1	2500
2021	EXPLOSIVE JACK	SOUTH AUST DERBY	MORP	3 OPEN G1	2500

2020 = 3

2020	LOVING GABY	WILLIAM REID STAKES	M V	3U OPEN G1	1200
2020	SIR DRAGONET	WS COX PLATE	M V	3U OPEN G1	2040
2020	ETAH JAMES	SYDNEY CUP	RAND	3U OPEN G1	3200

2019 = 3

2019	LOVING GABY	MANIKATO STAKES	M V	3U OPEN G1	1200
2019	KENEDNA	QUEEN OF THE TURF	RAND	3UFM OPEN G1	1600
2019	KENEDNA	DOOMBEN CUP	DOOM	3U OPEN G1	2000

2017 = 2

2017	RUTHVEN	QUEENSLAND DERBY	DOOM	3 OPEN G1	2200
2017	JAMEKA	HE TANCRED STAKES	RHIL	3U OPEN G1	2400

2016 = 3

2016	BON AURUM	SIR RUPERT CLARKE	CAUL	3U OPEN G1	1400
2016	AZKADELLIA	QUEEN OF THE TURF	RAND	3UFM OPEN G1	1600
2016	JAMEKA	CAULFIELD CUP	CAUL	3U OPEN G1	2400

2015 = 3

2015	SRIKANDI	STRADBROKE HCP	DOOM	3U OPEN G1	1350
2015	SRIKANDI	TATTERSALL'S TIARA	GCST	3UFM OPEN G1	1400
2015	JAMEKA	VRC OAKS	FLEM	3F OPEN G1	2500

2014 = 1

2014

SET SQUARE

VRC OAKS

FLEM

3F OPEN G1

2500

2007 = 1

2007

TEARS I CRY

CHAMPIONS MILE

FLEM

3U OPEN G1

1600

We invite you to consider racing horses with the Dynamic Ciaron Maher Racing Team.

Ciaron Maher

TRAINER PROFILES

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Ciaron Maher

TRAINER PROFILES

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