The Ferrets' Den - A CMR Podcast

In Episode 8 of The Ferret’s Den, we’re joined by world-renowned equine geneticist Dr Emmeline Hill, the scientist behind the discovery of the Speed Gene — a breakthrough that’s changed the way breeders, trainers, and owners think about thoroughbreds.We dive deep into how genetic testing is being used to guide race placement, shape breeding decisions, reduce injury risk, and even predict performance potential from a young age. Dr Hill also unpacks the science behind traits like muscle development, stamina, and inbreeding — and how tools like Checkmate are helping safeguard the future of the breed.Whether you're a breeder, trainer, or owner, this episode is packed with practical insights and cutting-edge research.Want to learn more about speed gene testing or the CheckMate breeding tool? Visit www.equinome.com

We sat down with David Rath, the highly experienced Bio-Mechanist and Strategist for the Essendon Football Club, just prior to Christmas, exploring the similarities that go into training a horse and a human for optimal performance.Rath's experience includes stints with the Wallabies and more than two decades in the AFL industry, working at Hawthorn during their Premiership era before joining the AFL as Head of Coaching and Innovation, and more recently, spending three years at St Kilda as Head of Football.

In this episode, we sit down with a qualified hyperbaric therapist, Shelena Hoberg, who brings over 20 years of experience in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for equine athletes.As an expert in this cutting-edge therapy, she shares insights into the incredible power of the hyperbaric chamber and its ability to elevate healing and recovery for horses.We discuss how we can harness this advanced technology within our stable to enhance the well-being and performance of our racehorses.

Racehorses are elite athletes, and just like any top sportsperson, fuelling them right is crucial for their health, performance, and overall well-being. In this episode of the Ferrets Den, we explore what optimal nutrition looks like, from the basics to more advanced strategies, and discuss simple yet impactful changes that can make a big difference. Special guest Dr Nerida McGilchrist, PhD, brings her expertise to the table, offering invaluable knowledge and practical tips that every horse owner and trainer can benefit from. Plus, we'll share insights from Ciaron Maher Racing's journey of optimising feed to ensure our horses are performing at their peak.

On the fourth installment of Ciaron Maher Racing's Data & Sports Science Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome soon-to-be four-time Olympian Genevieve Gregson!She is competing in the marathon for the first time at an Olympic Games, and our episode looks to draw comparisons between her, and our superstar mare, Pride of Jenni.(0:00) Mikey, Katrina Anderson (Head of Sports Science) and Josh Kadlec-Cavanagh (Head of Data and Performance) dig into the data behind what happens to fillies and mares as they get older, and specifically what were the signs that Pride of Jenni would get the 2000m of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.(17:45) Genevieve Gregson Interview!

On the third episode of The Ferret's Den, we welcome in our first external guest - Jess Corones, Swimming Australia's GM of performance support for their Olympic campaign. We discussed how swimming has adopted data, the challenges she's faced and the similarities and differences in our respective journeys. It's particularly interesting in an Olympics year and a fascinating chat.

On our second episode of The Ferret's Den, Ciaron Maher Racing's new podcast that focuses on our data and sports science team, we

On the first episode of our Data & Sports Science Podcast, we introduce you to our core team and discuss just how far we've come in the past few years.