Maher pleads guilty over Azkadellia saga

Ben Dorries - Wednesday September 6

Caulfield Cup-winning trainer Ciaron Maher will plead guilty to conduct prejudicial to the image of racing over the ownership of several horses in his stable.

Victorian trainer Ciaron Maher will find out his fate when he faces the RAD board on September 25 Photo: Darryl Sherer

Maher will finally know his fate over the ownership saga involving Group I winner Azkadellia when he fronts the Victorian Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on September 25.

Stewards claim Maher should have known, at certain times, about the correct ownership of Azkadellia and horses Little Bubulu, Loveable Rogue and Mr Simples.

Queensland conman Peter Foster has been linked to the ownership of the horses which had been listed as being owned by Maher's former racing manager Ben Connolly.

Connolly was stood down from the role last year.

Azkadellia, which has won $1.58 million in prizemoney, has not been allowed to race since stewards began their investigation.

Azkadellia's last race start was when she ran second behind Miss Cover Girl in the Group I Tatt's Tiara at Eagle Farm in June 2016.

Stewards allege Maher's conduct was prejudicial to the image, interests and/or welfare of racing.

Foster is a notorious conman who has been jailed in several countries for a variety of offences including weight loss scams.

In September last year, Racing Victoria's integrity unit interviewed a private investigator who provided information about Foster's involvement in Victoria's racing industry.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Eighth Winner for Zousain
Zousain has posted his second new winner this week at Cranbourne on Friday evening when the Phillip Stokes trained filly The Dabble Effect scored on debut.
Fawkner Park from Last to First in Wagga Wagga Gold Cup
An ice-cold ride by Tyler Schiller saw the favourite Fawkner Park (IRE) come from last to land Friday's $200,000 Listed Lucas Road Sealing 2024 Wagga Wagga Gold Cup (2000m).
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.
Merchant Navy Mare Wins Wagga Queen of the South
Merchant Navy was relocated last year from the Hunter Valley to a new home at Kooringal Stud at Wagga and he featured at the big Wagga Cup meeting on Friday when his talented mare Subliminal won the $75,000 Queen of the South (1400m).
Invincible Spy Wins Wagga Guineas
First Light Racing and a big syndicate of owners had a bit to cheer about on Friday when progressive I Am Invincible colt Invincible Spy won the $80,000 Wagga Guineas (1600m).
Another Deep Field Packing his Bags for Hong Kong
Endued brought his Hong Kong future a big step closer with a four-length victory in the Rohan Mudhoo Trust 2YO (1200m) at Woodville on Friday.
Best On Breeding
As I Am Invincible rapidly closes in on Snitzel’s record seasonal earnings of $29,258,000 he is doing so despite what has been, to date, a relatively quiet season for his juveniles in Australia.
Sires With Winners - Friday May 3
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Don Corleone New for Eureka Stud
Eureka Stud is excited to offer Group I performed Extreme Choice son Don Corleone to Queensland breeders this spring.
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.