Maher Confirms Eustace Exit

Maher confirms Eustace exit

Ciaron Maher has admitted the departure of Eustace will be bitter sweet as his Melbourne Cup winning Co-trainer heads to Hong Kong at the end of January.

As a training partnership Maher and Eustace have combined to train over 1600 winners including 30 at the top level. 

As well as wins on the track they have also taken out the past four Victorian / Melbourne premierships and just last season ended Chris Wallers 4 year reign as Australia’s champion trainer after recording the most wins.

"This is a real bittersweet moment for CMR," Maher said in a statement on Thursday.

"Bitter because it will be difficult to replace someone with David's skills and work ethic - and just a great human being.

"Sweet as it's a fitting reward for David and at the same time gives us a great opportunity to continue to evolve and develop from within."

Englishman Eustace is the fourth co-trainer/assistant to develop under Maher and embark on a business of his own, following in the footsteps of Annabel Neasham, Lucy Yeomans and Jack Bruce.

"In elite sport there is always fluidity at the top," Maher said.

"The best and most successful operations recognise this and plan accordingly.

"We have a basic rule of thumb: everyone in a senior position must be replaceable - and that includes me.

"Even losing someone of David's skills gives our highly talented group of assistants the opportunity to step up and have an even greater input, and with that will come new thinking and fresh initiatives."

Eustace echoed Maher's sentiments on Thursday.

"It's a bittersweet day, obviously I am thrilled to be offered the position in Hong Kong, it has always been a dream of mine since I was a boy," Eustace said.

"It's exciting and a challenge I will relish, however I will miss being part of this extraordinary operation."

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