Ciaron Maher Racing has named its new chief operating officer is it aims to consolidate its growth following its take-over of Forrest Lodge stables in Miners Rest in January.
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Matthew Drain will take over the role soon to be made vacant as Christa Malkin, who has overseen the recent growth of CMR leaves the business in September to have a child.
Formerly working with Cricket Australia and AFL clubs Essendon, The Western Bulldogs and St Kilda, Drain said he was excited to receive the opportunity to join CMR.
Watch Matthew Drain speak to the media on Tuesday morning:
"I'm very excited," he told the media on Tuesday morning.
"Given my experience in sports administration I've been really fortunate in my career to work in AFL and cricket; two major loves of mine and horse racing is another.
"To work with a stable as big and successful as CMR and continuing to build is a great opportunity. Our key focus is to keep building the business and work with the people that have been really successful, which is all the staff at CMR."
A Ballarat local, Drain said he knows what is expected of him within the community and is excited to help CMR grow in Ballarat.
"Specifically with Ballarat having been here for the better part of eight years I understand the nuances of Ballarat and the importance of the local community and the connections people have throughout the area.
"What's important in Ballarat and in racing in general is that everyone feels that they're important in the role they're doing. We're the sum of all our parts and I think that's the key part in helping people to feel like they're making a major contribution with their role."
Drain told the media despite not working directly within the racing industry until now, he is confident the skills he has developed over his career will allow him to transition into the industry smoothly.
"In any industry and particularly in sport, people work really hard and it's really about managing people, understanding people and getting the best out of them. In the end your people are your biggest asset."
Having spent most of his time away from his Ballarat stables since taking over in January, Cairon Maher said having someone like Drain at Forrest Lodge will help consolidate CMR's growth.
"This is going to be the heart and soul of our stables in Victoria and I think it's very important that Matthew is based here," Maher said.
Drain won a premiership 2014 playing with Mt Clear Cricket Club.
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