Big freeze reunites old mates Ciaron Maher and John Meagher at Winter Carnival

CIARON Maher’s accomodation in Brisbane this winter is a bit like back to the future as he and famed John Meagher recall their time in Melbourne.

Trainers John Meagher (L) and Ciaron Maher. Picture: Jono Searle.

CIARON Maher’s accomodation in Brisbane this winter is a bit like back to the future as he and Melbourne Cup-winning trainer John Meagher recall their time in Melbourne.

As a raw, wide-eyed teenager, Maher did two weeks work experience at Meagher’s high-flying Chicquita Lodge stables at Flemington. That led to him getting a regular gig as a trackwork rider.

“Doing that work experience was a big deal for me,’’ Maher said. “I was just a kid from Warrnambool going to work for one of the top stables in the state.

Trainers John Meagher (L) and Ciaron Maher. Picture: Jono Searle.

“I was very green and had only ever worked in small stables.

“Later at apprentice school, we would go there for a week at a time and John helped get me my licence to ride. He has always been very helpful.

“It’s a bit funny now having my horses stay with him, but it’s always great to catch up with John and the family.

Meagher said he had not been surprised by how the curly-haired bush kid had made the grade.

“You look at him with the long hair and he’s an unlikely looking fellow, but he’s very shrewd,” Meagher said.

Louisa Day with Azkadellia. Picture: Jono Searle.

“He doesn’t say a lot but he’s a real thinker and understands the art of placing his horses in the right races. He’s a pretty accomplished horseman.”

By his observations, Meagher feels Azkadellia has thrived since arriving in Queensland.

“She’s flying at the moment and looks super,’’ he said. “Horses from down there love it when they come up here to this warm weather. She will definitely be in the finish.’’

Originally published as Big freeze reunites old mates Ciaron Maher and John Meagher at Winter Carnival