Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

G1 Northerly S. - locals vs visitors

Not since Stratum Star's success for the Darren Weir stable in 2016 has this Group 1 1800-metre event, one which was until two years ago named after Kingston Town (Bletchingly), been won by an interstate visitor.

Five eastern state horses take on the locals this weekend with one of those, the Mitchell Freedman trained Attrition (Churchill {Ire}) vying for favouritism on the back of his good spring carnival form in Melbourne and Sydney; a gritty G2 Hill S. victory followed by a somewhat unlucky fourth in the Five Diamonds.

Also well-fancied is the local Storyville (Overshare) whose age/gender (3-year-old filly) has a good recent record in this race as does her stable with Grant and Alana Williams winning it three times as a partnership and once with Grant on his own.

William Pike was aboard two of their winners and takes the ride on Storyville who has impressed taking out the G3 Champion Fillies S. and the G2 Western Australian Guineas at her last two outings.

Gallery: Some of the well-fancied runners in the G1 Northerly S. at Ascot

The couple also saddle up Casino Seventeen (Casino Prince) who is one of the six runners to have also lined up in the 2023 running of this race. Also having a second crack are Zipaway (Playing God) who was right in the thick of things when third behind the late Dom To Shoot (Shooting To Win) and Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) and his stablemate Bustler (Playing God) who was a close up fourth.

Marocchino (Maschino), River Rubicon (Rubick), Mojo Rhythm (Playing God) were out of the placings but none of them disgraced.

Democracy Manifest (Flying Artie), Light Infantry Man (Fr) (Fast Company {Ire}) and Super Smink (Super One) are all well-fancied at single-figure odds.

All three contested the G1 Railway S., Super Smink strong to the line finishing third whilst Democracy Manifest and Light Infantry Man did not have the best of luck in the run home.

Gallery: Three runners for the Northerly S. who also contested the G1 Railway S.

Bustler who covered ground in the Railway, Mojo Rhythm who was a solid sixth, Currimundi and Zipaway are all by Playing God who won this race in 2010 and 2011.

He is one of a number of high-quality gallopers with this race on their resume, others including the visitors Family Of Man, Vo Rogue (Ivor Prince {USA}) and Better Loosen Up (Loosen Up {USA}).

As well as the terrific local gallopers Summer Beau (NZ) (Sky Filou {NZ}), Old Comrade (Old Spice) and, two years ago, Amelia's Jewel (Siyouni {Fr}).

G1 Mufhasa Classic - La Crique expected to conquer again

This 1600-metre weight-for-age contest looks another nice race for the high-class, in-form mare La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}) who is favourite to add a third Group 1 to her already impressive record.

Venturing to Brisbane to win a $500,000 event at Eagle Farm in June, the 6-year-old was strong to the line taking out the G2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders S. at just her second run back from a break.

A nine-time winner who has been out of the first five only once during her 22-start career, La Crique is already a dual Group 1 winner at the mile and is clearly the one they all have to beat.

Amongst her main rivals are El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) who is back in trip after taking out the G3 Balmerino S. over 2000 metres, One Bold Cat (NZ) (The Bold One {NZ}) who boasts a good fresh record; first-up last time in winning the G1 Arrowfield Stud Plate over this same distance, Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) who can also pull out a good fresh run and Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock) who was only just beaten in a Group 2 1600-metres race last time out. She is approaching retirement, racing in foal to Proisir.

Gallery: Some of La Crique's (NZ) main rivals in the G1 Mufhasa Classic at Trentham

Last year won by Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai) who won the G3 Sandown S. in September for the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman stable, this race was formerly known as the Captain Cook S.

It is a race with plenty of outstanding gallopers on its honour roll, won by the likes of Rough Habit (NZ) (Roughcast {USA}), Tit For Taat (NZ) (Faltaat {USA}) and Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) after whom the race is now named.

Ellerslie's Group 3 races - the Concorde and the Bonecrusher

There are two Group 3 races taking place at Ellerslie on Saturday, the Concorde S. for the sprinters and the Bonecrusher S. for the 3-year-olds.

Contested over 1200 metres, the Concorde sees in the in-form Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) starting a short-priced favourite on the back of his close up fourth fresh in similar company. His overall record is an excellent one; eight wins from 11 starts including last year's G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

Crocetti has only six rivals but there is depth to the form of his rivals with dangers including Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}) who recorded a soft win in a recent Taupo trial, Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) who has shown improvement at each run this time in and Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard) who was one of several 7-year-old stakes-winning mares across Australasia over the spring.

She attempts to become the fourth horse to win this race on two occasions, taking it out (when it was run in January) in 2022.

There is also a short-priced favourite in the 1400-metre Bonecrusher S. with Whiskey 'N Roses (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) catching the eye with a fast-finishing second over the sane trip in Group 2 company at Te Aroha last time out.

Two other runners opened at single-figure odds, Sethito (NZ), a Super Seth daughter of the dual Group 1 winner Suavito (NZ) (Thorn Park) impressing with his recent maiden win and Prosegur (NZ) (Proisir) who has looked good winning two of her first three starts.

The Ballarat Cup - always a popular event

On offer for this Listed 2200-metre contest is $500,000. First run in 1939, it was granted black-type status as soon as the pattern system was introduced in the late 1970s.

Several Group 1 horses have won the race, namely Bold John (John Games {GB}), Lady Mogambo (Woodruffe {GB}), Frozen Section (NZ) (Arctic Explorer {GB}), Gay Filou (NZ) (Le Filou {Fr}), Savage (NZ) (Ruthless {GB}), Kip (NZ) (Forty Winks {Fr}), Playful Princess (Gay Sovereign {GB}) and The Offer (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}).

Four horses have won the Ballarat Cup on two occasions, a feat being chased on Saturday by Bankers Choice (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) who recorded an easy win over Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) two years ago.

Meanwhile Young Werther (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) seeks to go one better than he did when carrying 0.5kg more last year, not having the best of luck in running. Third last year was Just Folk (Magnus) whose trainer Gavin Bedggood saddles up Earlswood (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) whose form is better than his price suggests.

Despite a wide gate, Poison Chalice (NZ) (Savabeel) has opened up favourite having been a brave G3 Eclipse S. second last weekend. Sirileo Miss (Pride Of Dubai) also ran well in that race and she was third in this race behind Bankers Choice.

Berkeley Square (Territories {Ire}) and Muramasa (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Air Assault (Justify {USA}) keep racing well whilst Globe (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) is a chance to make it two country cups in a row having impressively taken out the Listed Cranbourne Cup two weeks ago. It's A Wild Night (NZ) (Vanbrugh) was strongly fancied in that race but did not have a great deal of luck.

Gallery: Some of the runners in the Listed Ballarat Cup

Eagle Farm - a trio of stakes races

Racing is heating up over the Brisbane summer and Eagle Farm hosts three stakes races on Saturday; the Listed Just Now S. over 1300 metres for fillies and mares, the Listed Tails S. over 1500 metres and the Listed Bribie H. for the speedsters over 1000 metres.

The fifth race on the card, the Just Now named in honour of the Queensland (Eureka Stud)-bred G1 AJC Oaks winner, sees Cigar Flick (Churchill {Ire}) open at a very tight quote on the back of her unlucky fast-finishing fifth in the G3 How Now S. at Flemington last month.

Danny's St Darci (All Too Hard) was also sound in that race and consistent in the lead-up whilst the main local chances look to be Trifling (Better Than Ready) who has trialled well in preparation for her return and the lightly raced and promising Socrazyinlove (I Am Invincible).

I Am Artie (Artie Schiller {USA}) has well and truly earned a crack at stakes level, the Paul Jenkins-trained 5-year-old racing in flying form winning six of his seven starts since August.

James Orman has been aboard for all but one of those wins and he certainly knows how to win this race, taking out the last three runnings on Acquitted (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Skyman (GB) (Mukhadram {GB}) and Kukeracha (NZ) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}).

The eighth race of the day, the Bribie, has been taken out two years in a row by the Tony Gollan stable with All That Pizzazz (Spirit Of Boom) and Sneaky Five (Fastnet Rock). This time around he has half the field representing him as well as one of the emergencies.

Zarastro (I Am Invincible) and Golden Boom (Spirit Of Boom) look to be his two main chances, the former resuming off a smart trial victory at Doomben whilst the latter was close up fresh with an excellent overall record.

Gallery: Tony Gollans' two main chances in the Listed Bribie H.

Another Gollan runner of interest is Cannonball (Capitalist) who debuts for the stable. Previously under the care of Peter and Paul Snowden, he has raced just twice since a trip to last year's Royal Ascot meeting but certainly has the ability to feature here.

As does the Group 1 comeback galloper Rothfire (Rothesay) and the promising Shalaa's Moment (Shalaa {Ire}), winner of half of his first 14 starts.

The Juveniles - five races across Australasia

There is no black-type action for them on Saturday but the cards at Ballarat, Eagle Farm, Ascot, Morphettville and Trentham all kick off with races for the 2-year-olds.

An 1100-metre VOBIS event kicks off Ballarat Cup Day with three of the acceptors having raced before including the impressive Bendigo winner Hello Romeo (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}).

Highstrung (NZ) (Admire Mars {Jpn}) and Neverenoughlego (Ole Kirk) are jump-out winners for first-season sires and also successful in that regard is Aleppo Pine (Blue Point {Ire}) who won a Flemington heat.

Highstrung is the race's most expensive purchase, secured for NZ$180,000 by Busuttin Young Racing and Group 1 Bloodstock at the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale. At the opposite end of the scale, also by a young stallion, is the $800 Inglis Digital purchase Stars Aligned (Lucky Vega {Ire}).

A trial winner since his debut second in early November, the $800,000 Magic Millions graduate Lockyer (I Am Invincible) is favourite at Eagle Farm, in Race 1, where one his main dangers is his stablemate Formula Rossa (Spirit Of Boom) was in the thick of things at her first start at the Sunshine Coast.

First-season sire Cool Aza Beel (NZ) is represented by Cool Archie who ran well at debut whilst four of the 11 runners are by Lyndhurst Stud's speedster Better Than Ready.

Three of the eight Ascot 2-year-old runners have already faced the starter though none of those featured in the placings. Castle Road (Safeguard) and Do I Feel Lucky (Dirty Work) have trialled well for their young sires.

Tiz Worthy (Hanseatic) is odds-on in the Adelaide race having been so desperately unlucky when debuting with a Bendigo third as favourite in mid-November. The most strongly fancied of the first starters is Norse Warrior (Royal Meeting {Ire}), a recent Pakenham jump-out winner.

There are two winners amongst the two raced horses contesting the Trentham race and one of those, Too Sweet (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) has opened up as an odds-on favourite. Overcoming trouble in running when saluting at the same track in late October, she has been kept up to the mark with a trial victory at Foxton.

Cover image courtesy of Australian Turf Club

Nearly a year after Australian Turf Club Chairman Peter McGauran joined NSW Premier Chris Minns to announce a massive, city-shaping plan to sell Rosehill Racecourse for housing, the Select Committee on the Proposal to Develop Rosehill Racecourse has delivered its final report with five specific recommendations.

While the report’s findings and recommendations address a range of issues - from transparency in government dealings to an appraisal of the realistic likelihood for the brick pit site as a replacement racecourse - one recommendation stands out for its potential to reshape the racing industry in New South Wales: the call for the Legislative Council to consider an inquiry into the operations of Racing NSW.

Crucially, this recommendation was put forward by Bob Nanva, a Labor MP and member of the current government, and supported by fellow Labor ministers Dr Sarah Caine and Peter Primrose. Nanva’s motion to include this recommendation underscores the bipartisan nature of the concerns, indicating an acknowledgment from within the government itself that Racing NSW’s operations may not align with their standards.

The report mentions serious whistleblower allegations against Racing NSW, including claims of alleged illegal activity and conduct deemed 'plainly not acceptable from a regulatory body.' The committee acknowledged the challenges of addressing these allegations without compromising the confidentiality of those who came forward, many of whom feared retaliation. It concluded that these claims 'are worthy of further investigation.'

Recommendation 3 urges the NSW Government to conduct a comprehensive review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 to assess whether the legislation is still fit for purpose. This review reflects concerns raised during the inquiry about the adequacy of the Act in addressing the current and future needs of the racing industry, particularly in terms of governance, wagering landscape changes and maintaining public confidence.

The committee also recommended that the NSW Government incorporate animal welfare considerations as part of its review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. Specifically, this recommendation calls on the government to have regard to the findings and recommendations of the 2021 report by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Welfare Working Group (TAWWG), The Most Important Participant: A Framework for Thoroughbred Welfare.

The committee’s report notes that the recommendations of the TAWWG report have not yet been implemented, stating:

“The committee was concerned to hear from animal welfare organisations regarding Racing NSW's responses to the latest research and expert opinions regarding animal welfare, and they have not taken steps to implement the recommendations of the (TAWWG) report.”

This lack of progress drew specific criticism from multiple submissions, stakeholders and the committee itself, highlighting concerns about the racing industry’s commitment to thoroughbred welfare.

The Rosehill position

The inquiry involved four public hearings, 127 submissions, and one site visit. Stakeholders ranged from racing authorities and animal welfare advocates to community groups opposing the redevelopment.

While the report acknowledged the potential benefits of the proposed housing development, it stopped far short of endorsing the proposal.

At the heart of the committee’s findings is a clear concern that the proposal to sell Rosehill Racecourse was mishandled by both the NSW Government and the ATC. The report paints a picture of a process characterised by haste, poor communication, and questionable adherence to probity standards.

The committee zeroed in on the government’s early championing of the proposal as premature and inappropriate. Guidelines for unsolicited proposals require impartiality, yet the report found that the government had breached these standards by publicly supporting the sale before the Stage 1 process was complete.

One of the most referenced findings involved a meeting on 30 October 2023 between Premier Chris Minns and Steve McMahon, the ATC’s Head of Membership and Corporate Affairs. The meeting was listed in the Premier’s diary as a “meet and greet,” but the committee found this description to be “inaccurate, misleading and (not) adequately describing the purpose of this meeting.”

The committee noted that the close relationship between McMahon and the Premier - who have been friends for over 20 years - raised questions about the impartiality of the government’s involvement. As the report bluntly stated:

“There was a perception among some people that the proposal… was either being led by the Government, or fast-tracked by the Government, without adherence to proper probity measures.”

The committee recommended updates to Ministerial Diary Disclosure requirements, ensuring that all meetings include accurate descriptions of attendees, purposes, and any potential conflicts of interest.

The fourth Sydney racecourse

The Brick Pit at Sydney Olympic Park was considered as a potential site for the relocation of Rosehill Racecourse and was a hot topic at the inquiries, however, the committee found it to be unsuitable due to critical environmental and structural concerns. In particular, the committee emphasised that “the Brick Pit site at Sydney Olympic Park is highly unlikely to be able to accommodate a racetrack due to environmental factors, including the endangered status of the resident green and golden bell frog population and the ongoing instability of land at the site.”

In addition to environmental concerns, the report mentioned that the physical condition of the Brick Pit posed serious logistical challenges. The committee's report described the site as having “ongoing instability of land,” a result of its history as a former industrial clay quarry. William Murphy, Deputy Secretary of Strategic Projects in the Premier’s Department, testified that stabilising the land for development would require 'extensive remediation and engineering,' leading to significant delays and cost increases.

The committee also noted a lack of viable alternatives or contingency plans, concluding that “outside of the Brick Pit site at Sydney Olympic Park, which is unsuitable to accommodate an alternative racetrack, no other viable or feasible sites have been identified to create another racetrack in metropolitan Sydney”.

This lack of alternatives places further strain on the feasibility of the Rosehill Racecourse sale, with many stakeholders raising the importance of having a fourth Sydney racetrack.

The ATC’s response

In response to the report, ATC Chairman Peter McGauran assured members of the club’s full cooperation with the inquiry and reiterated its commitment to transparency, proper governance, and the interests of members.

McGauran described the project as a “unique and complex proposal; unlike anything the ATC, or in fact anyone, has attempted in Australia.” He confirmed that ATC Directors and management are continuing to refine the proposal in preparation for members to vote at an Extraordinary General Meeting on April 3, 2025.

While the Legislative Council report raised concerns about governance and transparency, McGuaran noted that the inquiry occasionally “drifted away from the core issues and became politicised.”

Despite the findings of the report, the ATC emphasised that it has adhered to proper governance practices in its dealings with the NSW Government.

Racing NSW’s response

Questions about Racing NSW’s response to the serious allegations raised in the Rosehill Inquiry Report remain unanswered.

Chair, Dr. Saranne Cooke, who holds extensive credentials in corporate governance, including completion of a doctoral thesis on the governance practices of ASX 200 directors, was asked by The Thoroughbred Report what decisive action would be taken in light of the whistleblower allegations raised in the Rosehill Inquiry Report.

These questions included whether she or Racing NSW CEO Peter V’Landys would step down pending investigations into the issues raised, and what steps the Racing NSW board would take to restore industry confidence in light of the major integrity concerns outlined in the report.

Cooke did not respond to the questions, instead TTR received a legal letter from Racing NSW’s lawyers threatening defamation action. The letter also stated Racing NSW were unaware of what the specific allegations are and that the allegations have not been put to Racing NSW for their response.

What’s next?

The feasibility of the Rosehill Racecourse unsolicited proposal, as it stands, appears to be hanging on by a thread. While the promise of 25,000 new homes and potential funding for the racing industry had positive aspects, the committee’s report exposed significant flaws in the proposal process to date.

The committee’s chair, Hon. Scott Farlow MLC, summarised the situation in his foreword, noting:

“Throughout the inquiry there was significant conflicting information that was presented, which asked more questions than it answered.”

The report’s 10 findings and five recommendations underscore the need for significant scrutiny before a Rosehill sale can proceed. Beyond the fate of the racecourse itself, the inquiry has become a flashpoint for broader debates about transparency, accountability, and the future of NSW racing industry leadership.

The NSW Government has three months to respond to the report. And while it is not obligated to act on the findings or recommendations, it must provide reasons if it chooses not to do so.

Ultimately, the committee stopped short of rejecting the sale outright. Instead, it called for greater transparency, adherence to proper processes, and further investigation into unresolved issues. With the report now referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), its impact regarding government repercussions remains uncertain.

The inclusion of the second recommendation, consideration to establishing an inquiry into the operations of Racing NSW, will be of particular interest to readers of The Thoroughbred Report. Nanva’s motion is significant, as it signals recognition within government ranks that Racing NSW’s role warrants further scrutiny.

Such an inquiry into Racing NSW would likely focus on compliance with the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996, its financial management, employee management, and its handling of stakeholder relationships. It could also explore broader governance concerns, such as whether Racing NSW’s current structure allows for adequate transparency and accountability.

For the racing industry and the broader community, this inquiry has gone beyond a review of Rosehill Racecourse. It has raised deeper questions about governance and stakeholder trust in the leadership of the NSW racing industry. Whether it can pass potential looming tests - and what format they might take - remains to be seen.

Cover image courtesy of Ciaron Maher Racing

Johann Gerard-Dubord cannot remember a time before horses. The son of retired French jumps jockey Phillipe Gerard-Dubord, he grew up spending his weekends and holidays on the family farm, where his mother’s family was involved in the breeding side of the thoroughbred industry. Gerard-Dubord first sat on a horse as a toddler, but serious interest in the industry did not develop until he was in his late teens.

“I first started riding trackwork when I was 16 or 17,” he said. “But before (that), I actually wasn't that interested in racing. I was interested in the breeding side, but not so much the training.”

Gerard-Dubord rode out for legendary Pau-based trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, trainer of Cambridge Stud’s Almanzor (Fr), until he graduated highschool, at which point he took the opportunity to head abroad. He quickly made his way to the Newmarket stables of Sir Mark Prescott.

International experience

“Working with horses was an easy way to find a job,” said Gerard-Dubord, who rode out for Prescott during the career of Confidential Lady (GB) (Singspiel {GB}), whose time on the racetrack was highlighted by victory in the G1 Prix de Diane, otherwise known as the French Oaks.

Gerard-Dubord spent two and a half years at Prescott’s Heath House Stables, before moving to the yard of National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls. For six months, he worked with the likes of turf warriors Kauto Star (Fr) (Village Star {Fr}) and Denman (Ire) (Presenting {GB}) and recalled the 2008 running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase where Nicholls-trained horses were the first three home.

Gallery: Some of the horses Johann Gerard-Dubord worked with whilst working for Paul Nichols

“Paul Nicholls was the leading jumps trainer in England,” Gerard-Dubord said of the time. “We had some great horses then.”

Travelling to the United States for 18 months, Gerard-Dubord drew on the teachings of England’s premier trainers and stepped up into the role of assistant trainer for Patrick Biancone. A French expat himself, Biancone came to the States as a young man to hone his craft, before returning to France and becoming one of Europe’s leading trainers in the eighties. In 2000, after nearly a decade in Hong Kong, he returned stateside and was based in Florida at the time of Gerard-Dubord’s tenure.

The allure of the working holiday visa beckoned next to Gerard-Dubord, and he gravitated to Randwick upon arrival, spending his first six months in Australia working for John Thompson, then six months next door for John O’Shea, who quickly promoted him to foreman.

“I was going racing at the provincials on Saturday and then I started running a barn there,” Gerard-Dubord said. When his visa came to an end, O’Shea was keen to ensure that the young Frenchman would return.

The Blue Army

“When John (O'Shea) got a job at Godolphin, he said to me that if I want to come back to Australia, there would be a job waiting for me.”

In 2014, Gerard-Dubord returned after a stint in his home country and made his way to Crown Lodge, first acting as an assistant foreman before elevating to running a barn himself again.

“I did a bit of traveling for them (Godolphin),” he said. “I went to Hong Kong with Bow Creek. I looked after him when he first arrived in Australia, and when he was in quarantine.” Already a triple stakes winner up to Group 2 level, Bow Creek (Ire) (Sharmardal {USA}) arrived in Australia in the second half of 2015, kicking off his Southern Hemisphere career with a second to Turn Me Loose (NZ) (Ifraaj {GB}) in the G2 Crystal Mile. Gerard-Dubord accompanied the Irish gelding across to Hong Kong the next year, after he soundly beat G1 Vinery Stud S. winner Fenway (High Chaparral {Ire}) in the G2 Peter Young S.

Over three and a half years with the Blue Army, Gerard-Dubord came into close contact with some big names, among them being G1 Doncaster Mile winner It’s Somewhat (Dynaformer {USA}), and the stallions Exosphere and Astern. When O’Shea departed Crown Lodge to train in his own right, Gerard-Dubord also stepped away from the blue silks. It would not be long before the rising star of Ciaron Maher would offer him a new trajectory.

Emerging talent

At the turn of the decade, budding talent Annabel Neasham was looking for an assistant to help her run Maher’s base at Warwick Farm, where horses were stabled under the Maher and Eustace banner. O’Shea put forward Gerard-Dubord’s name as a good candidate for the role.

“She (Neasham) had a chat with John O’Shea, who recommended me,” Gerard-Dubord said. “So I then had a chat with Annabel and that's how I started. I started as the racing manager in Sydney when we had 50 horses.”

Taking over nominations and jockey bookings, Gerard-Dubord was a regular face at the trials and continued in the role when Neasham took out her license in August of 2020. Her place was taken by Kiwi expat Jack Bruce and Gerard-Dubord assisted him up until Bruce struck out on his own in 2022.

“When Jack (Bruce) left, Ciaron (Maher) kind of pushed me into taking over,” Gerard-Dubord was not without a bit of humour on the subject. “So that's when I first started looking after New South Wales.”

Since then, the operation has exploded.

Former Warwick Farm foreman James Harding set up his pretraining business in Bob’s Farm, just north of Newcastle, and what started as 15 horses from the Maher and Eustace stable quickly grew to 35.

“Obviously he (Harding) was working very well, so we ended up getting an exclusivity deal with him,” said Gerard-Dubord. “And then we got an extra barn at Warwick Farm, which took us to 80 horses plus the 35 at Bob’s Farm. And then we added Bong Bong Farm a year and a half ago.”

Watch: A morning at Bong Bong Farm

Leased from Racing New South Wales in the heart of the Southern Highlands, Bong Bong Farm has become central to Maher’s operation.

“(Bong Bong) has been a big, big asset. The idea when we first got it was to do spelling, pre-training, and use it for the young horses. We started using it for a couple of light fillies who didn't do too well in a city environment, because at Bong Bong, they can go out in a paddock all day.

“And they did very well, so we started training more horses directly from the farm.”

Maher magic

In August, Maher dropped his Warwick Farm numbers to 30 horses, and the other 50 moved to be trained directly from Bong Bong Farm. Gerard-Dubord acknowledges the opportunity to turn out, as well as access to uphill tracks and the hyperbaric recovery chamber, have been key to producing healthy, happy racehorses that come back to Sydney every weekend - and win.

“It's very much (about) teamwork,” he said. “Ciaron is happy to delegate, and he’s a great mentor.

“Obviously data is very important. Everything goes into Prism (the management platform) whether it's the gallops, trot-ups, temperatures, weights, so everything is monitored from there. Ciaron can get on to Prism and he will have everything he needs about every horse. That's how he can monitor everything.”

For Gerard-Dubord, a favourite among the ranks of Maher’s top gallopers has long been warhorse Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai), who chalked up her 11th win as part of her stellar spring carnival. Gerard-Dubord had only been working for Maher for a little over a year when the then 3-year-old chestnut filly arrived from Lindsay Park, having a sole victory in the G3 Quezette S. at the top of her record. In that first preparation for Maher and Eustace, she would win the G3 How Now S. and place twice at Group 1 level.

“She has done so much travelling, so much racing, and she's been so consistent,” he said. “She's such a tough horse. I think you don't come across many horses like her.

“From the time we first received her from Lindsay Park, we’ve (always been learning about her. Every preparation, she has improved, and she just kept getting better. She's been such a great horse to work with.”

An open mind and a good work ethic

“I think traveling is very important,” Gerard-Dubord said, when considering his climb through the industry’s ranks. “It's so different from one country to another, how everyone trains. It's all about having a very open mind and always being happy to learn.

“I think the harder you work, the more chances you will be given, and the more opportunities you will get.”

Despite the success of Neasham and Bruce before him, Gerard-Dubord has no aspirations - just yet - to take out his own training license.

“It’s not really on my radar,” he said - although he wouldn’t draw a line through the idea completely. “I'm very, very happy doing what I'm doing for now. It's a very good operation, we've got some great people working with us, and he (Maher) has some very good horses - it would be hard to leave that.”