In a joint statement on Thursday afternoon, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace announced their training partnership would end.

Eustace has taken up an invitation to train in Hong Kong and is expected to leave Ciaron Maher Racing at the end of January.

At 32, Eustace has been a key player in Maher's rapid rise to the top of Australian horse racing training ranks and has been a co-trainer for the past five years.

Since joining forces as training partners, Maher and Eustace have combined for more than 1600 winners, including 30 at Group 1 level.

The pair have won the Victorian Trainers Championship for the past four years and claimed the National Trainers Championship for the 2022/23 season.

In isolation, the duo will forever be known for training Gold Trip to Melbourne Cup glory in 2022.

“This is a bittersweet announcement. Bitter, because it will be difficult to replace someone with David's skills, work ethic and all-round contribution,” Maher said in a press release on Thursday.

“Sweet, because it's a fitting reward for David and at the same time gives CMR a great 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 since I was a boy.

“It's exciting and a challenge I will relish; however, I will miss being part of this extraordinary operation.”

Ciaron Maher Racing has served as a strong base for up-and-coming trainers such as Annabel Neasham, Lucy Yeomans and Jack Bruce, with Eustace the latest to venture out on his own.

The news of Eustace's move was confirmed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Licensing Committee, with the Englishman granted a trainer's licence for the 2024/25 racing season.