Kennedy takes up Maher role

AN Irish horseman has been announced for a prominent appointment in one of Australia’s leading racing operations.

Co Limerick native John Kennedy has been appointed as New South Wales bloodstock manager to Ciaron Maher Racing, set to commence his role in late August after a successful tenure with Coolmore Stud.

An Irish National Stud Management Course graduate, Kennedy spent time with the O’Callaghan family at Yeomanstown Stud before a spell in Kentucky with Woods Edge Farm. After returning to Ireland as stud manager at Castlehyde Stud, he relocated to Australia in 2019 and spent seven years with Coolmore Australia, progressing from stud manager to racing and bloodstock manager.

A statement from Maher Racing said: “John played an integral role in the management, promotion and racing careers of many of Australia’s leading stallions and elite thoroughbreds, while building extensive relationships across the Australian and international bloodstock industry.

“Based in Sydney, John will bring added bloodstock expertise to the stable, greater accessibility to our bloodstock team for NSW owners, and continued momentum behind CMR’s growth in the region.”