LOVE and kindness will get you a long way in this world but especially in the equine world where understanding is fundamental to any relationship between people and horses.

Along with his brothers Paul and Dan, Chris Meagher was raised in a horse-dominated environment, led by their legendary father, trainer John Meagher.

After a highly-successful career in Melbourne and Singapore highlighted by Melbourne Cup success with What a Nuisance and a Singapore Gold Cup, John Meagher retired last year.

Chris, Paul and Dan started as stable hands and trackwork riders before graduating to assistant trainers and then Chris and Dan trained in partnership with their father.

Dan left to train in Singapore in 2016 and Chris is now training in his own right at Eagle Farm and is working to build his stable.

“We’ve got some nice horses coming through; a few unraced, so they’ll take a bit of time,” he said.

One of his acquisitions was in action on Saturday at Ipswich racetrack, leading all the way to win the Events@www.ieec.com.au Handicap (1350m).

Serena ($5) won by three quarters of a length from In Great Nic ($8.50) with a further length to Doomani ($7.50) in third.

“She came to me from Sydney,” Meagher said.

“She was Listed-placed in New Zealand early days. They sent her to Sydney and actually had no luck.

“She came to me a bit angry and a bit confused. When she first came they said: ‘She’s got ability, she’s just not showing it.’

“I’ve just rejuvenated her and kept her happy.”

The trainer said Serena appreciated the step up in distance from 1200m last start at Doomben and the three kilogram claim for apprentice Melea Castle who rode her on Saturday.

“Obviously her first-up run was quite short for her in a strong race. Coming here today the ground suited us and no weight,” he said.

“The little girl has ridden her before in trackwork too.

“I’ve just tried to keep her in that happy mindset and thankfully it paid off.”