David Eustace has embarked on a new chapter in his career as a trainer in Hong Kong, after leaving his partnership with Ciaron Maher at the beginning of the year. Following his departure, Eustace spent time with family in the UK, learned from Christophe Clement in America, and was active at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney before moving to Hong Kong in May.
Eustace is focused on building his stable and establishing a group of owners in Hong Kong. He finds the experience refreshing, challenging, exciting, and motivating. He has no regrets about leaving Ciaron Maher Racing, where he was part of major successes including Sir Dragonet’s Cox Plate in 2020 and Gold Trip’s Melbourne Cup in 2022. Eustace expressed pride in his former stable’s continued success and maintains contact with Maher to celebrate their wins.
Eustace is eager to showcase his individual training style in Hong Kong, adapting to the unique conditions of heat and humidity. He plans to use sports science and data to enhance training, crucial in Hong Kong’s competitive environment. Eustace is comfortable operating stables in multiple locations, including Conghua in China, to keep horses fresh.
Currently, Eustace has 10 horses in his new stable, with plans to increase that number during the off-season. He acknowledges the competitive nature of Hong Kong racing and aims to start on the right note. He is not in a rush to race horses from September onwards unless they are ready.
Eustace joins other expatriate trainers like Jamie Richards and Mark Newnham with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, embracing the new challenge with optimism and ambition.