David Eustace, who started his training career in partnership with Ciaron Maher in Australia, is set to move to Hong Kong where he will train under a solo licence.
In a statement released on Thursday, Eustace said, “I am delighted to announce that I will be joining the Hong Kong Jockey Club for the 2024/25 season. I look forward to working with CMR [Ciaron Maher Racing] until the end of January, after which my attention will turn to Hong Kong and the season approaching.”
The 32-year-old became co-trainer with Maher in 2018 having moved to Australia four years earlier. Maher is Australia's leading trainer by number of winners, with bases in Ballarat, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Balnarring in Victoria and another stable in Sydney.
British-born Eustace grew up in Newmarket where his father James trained from the historic Park House Stables. In 2021 James Eustace handed over the training business to his eldest son Harry, who from next year will lease Godolphin's Highfield Stables, with his burgeoning string having outgrown his home yard.
In a statement released in conjunction with Eustace, Maher said, “This is a bittersweet announcement. Bitter, because it will be difficult to replace someone with David's skills, work ethic and all-round contribution. Sweet, because it's a fitting reward for David and at the same time gives CMR an opportunity to evolve and develop.”
Eustace added, “As Ciaron has said, it's a bittersweet day. Obviously I am thrilled to be offered the position in Hong Kong. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a boy. It's exciting and a challenge I will relish, however I will miss being part of this extraordinary operation.”
Eustace's uncle David Oughton trained in Hong Kong for almost 20 years, with his major flagbearer being the Global Sprint Challenge Champion and dual Group 1 winner Cape Of Good Hope (GB).
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