Willydoit set for new chapter with Ciaron Maher’s stable

Willydoit is set to take the next step in his career as he joins Ciaron Maher’s stable following a solid performance in the Group 1 Australian Derby at Royal Randwick.

The gelding, who had already triumphed in the G1 New Zealand Derby, travelled across the Tasman in hopes of taking on Australia’s best three-year-olds.

While he ran a strong fourth, he couldn’t match the brilliance of Aeliana, who won by five lengths.

Although the Clotworthys didn’t secure the fairytale result they had hoped for, they are excited for Willydoit’s future prospects under Maher’s guidance.

“It’s a little bit sad, but it is what it is,” said Shaun Clotworthy.

“It was always part of the deal and he’s been a great horse, we’ll come over and watch him and see how it goes.”

Willydoit will remain in ownership alongside Bryan Black and Australian syndication company MyRacehorse.

After a short break, he’ll resume training with Maher, and the Clotworthys are confident he’ll develop into a top-class stayer.

“He’s not a dour out-and-out staying horse, he’s won over 1400 and 1600 with a turn-of-foot. I can see him having an easier four-year-old spring and then coming back in the autumn, then maybe the Melbourne Cup that year as a five-year-old.”