Ciaron Maher ends quiet carnival on high note with first Warrnambool Cup success

Ciaron Maher has had an unusually quiet Warrnambool carnival but finally claimed his first hometown Cup win with staying warrior Smokin’ Romans.

Smokin' Romans holds off the fast-finishing Torranzino to win the Warrnambool Cup on Thursday. Picture: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images

An unusual May carnival for top trainer Ciaron Maher improved sharply when Smokin’ Romans defied all challenges in the Listed Warrnambool Cup.

Maher has dominated the Warrnambool carnival in recent years, winning races at will over the three days, but had a much quieter time of it this year.

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Maher won the opening race on Tuesday with Through Irish Eyes but went winless with limited numbers until Smokin’ Romans’ Warrnambool Cup triumph.

“I haven’t had that many runners so I thought we’d be a good chance today,” Maher said.

“I’m absolutely rapt.”

Maher has won a large selection of Australia’s biggest races but Smokin’ Romans gave the Warrnambool product his first hometown Cup win, courtesy of the perfect ride from jockey Ben Melham.

Melham, who had won a Group 3 race on Smokin’ Romans last spring, sent the Group 1 winner forward from barrier two before perfectly rating the eight-year-old throughout the $300,000 race.

Smokin' Romans grabs the lead from the outset & clings on to go all the way to win a remarkable Warrnambool Cup 🏆

It's @cmaherracing's first success in the Cup at the 'Bool 🙌@BMelhampic.twitter.com/8NfCWh1i6c

— Racing.com (@Racing) May 1, 2025

Smokin’ Romans carried the 59kg topweight but held on to beat the fast-finishing Torranzino to score narrowly while the Maher-trained Ziryab was third.

“To win a Group 1 and carry the top weight like that, is terrific,” Maher said.

“Geez, what a fantastic ride by Ben.

“He really understands this horse really well and has had some nice wins on him.”

Maher said varying Smokin’ Romans’ routine was the key to maintaining the rising nine-year-old’s zest for racing.

“He goes everywhere,” Maher said.

“He’s been hanging out at Ballarat the last couple of days but he’s normally down at Cranbourne so a big thanks to them.”

Originally published as Ciaron Maher ends quiet carnival on high note with first Warrnambool Cup success