Two integral members of Ciaron Maher Racing have taken the honours in an endurance horse race, the Mongol Derby.
Adrian Corboy, a trainer in his own right, and Annabel Neasham, part of the communications team, completed the gruelling 1000km journey in just over seven days, crossing the line on Wednesday afternoon, AEST.
Maher was to have ridden in the endurance test, but withdrew after breaking his leg in a fall from Jameka in the weeks leading up to the event.
The Caulfield-based horseman was as pleased for Corboy and Neasham just as if he had prepared a Group One winner.
“It was a great team effort,” Maher said.
“I’ve spoken to Adrian and they’re both very tired but they’ve won quite convincingly.
“It’s a test of human spirit and horsemanship and everything else rolled into one.
“They’re both ecstatic.”
Maher said he was envious tracking the pair via their GPS’s and updates.
He said they are both determined people who don’t like being beaten.
“When I broke my leg Adrian only had two weeks to get ready for it,” Maher said.
“He lost six or seven kilos in two weeks before he left.
“It was a bit of a crash course but he said I’m not going over their to take photos, I’m going over there to win.”
Still on crutches Maher said he doubted whether he’ll take up the Mongol Derby challenge in coming years.
“They’ve set the bar so high,” he said.
