Trainer Ciaron Maher has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first trainer to deliver a trifecta in the Melbourne Cup.
Maher entered seven horses into Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington, with Point Of Law crossing the line first.
The $7 favourite, guided by Ethan Brown, secured a decisive victory by 3-¾ lengths over Zahraan ($26). Juja Kibo ($14) finished a short-head behind for third.
Royal Supremacy ($51), who led the field, held on gamely for fifth, having established a considerable lead of approximately 15 lengths at the 800-metre mark. Shockletz ($10) came home in sixth.
Middle Earth ($17) finished in tenth, while Mr Monaco ($26) was the last of Maher’s runners to finish, in 17th position.
The trifecta combination paid $2644.50 for a $1 stake.
Point Of Law was acquired by Maher’s racing manager, Will Bourne, from His Majesty The King for Australian clients and completed his preparation for the Melbourne Cup in quarantine at Werribee.
This marked only the sixth race start for Point Of Law, who qualified for the Melbourne Cup by winning a ‘Golden Ticket’ in the Geelong Cup (2400m) during his Australian debut on October 21.
Maher, who previously won the Cup in 2022 with Gold Trip while in a training partnership with David Eustace, was aware of his strong hand for Tuesday’s race.
“We just had to execute,” Maher stated.
“I certainly didn’t know that Royal Supremacy would go and lead by that far but nothing better than a true staying test,” Maher commented.
“Point Of Law has just thrived and I can’t thank all the team enough, all the owners, what a ride they have been on.
“It’s been a whirlwind really.”
Maher mentioned that the world is now open to Point Of Law, given that Tuesday’s win was the Northern Hemisphere-bred three-year-old colt’s sixth career start.
“He’s obviously very talented,” Maher said.
“He’s won that very well and he’s a European three-year-old still. I think he’s got a bright future, a big engine and should be a lot of fun.”
Maher expressed his gratitude to his Head Of Bloodstock, Will Bourne, for his instrumental role in sourcing Point Of Law for the stable.
“He spends a lot of time overseas and sometimes I think I work for him, I’m at work and he’s overseas,” Maher remarked.
“All the connections he’s made, he’s got an eye for it.”
Jockey Ethan Brown, who contemplated retirement after a severe fall at Flemington three-and-a-half years ago, recalled his initial thoughts upon arriving in Melbourne from Alice Springs as an apprentice.
“I thought I would come to Melbourne and try and ride a few winners,” Brown said.
“I have had great support throughout my career.
“It’s been a bumpy road, had a lot of challenges thrown my way, I’m obviously not the only one but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
“It’s days like this that make it all worth it.”
Tuesday’s victory continues Maher’s outstanding season. He leads the Australian premiership and, in addition to the Melbourne Cup, he also won The Everest last month with Tempted. This latest success has propelled the trainer’s earnings beyond $30 million for the season.
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