The significance of a midweek maiden win might not register as a career highlight for most trainers but for John Meagher it is especially satisfying.

Meagher's training partnership with sons Dan and Chris gained a boost when Hannibal Ad Portas ($7) gave them their first win in Brisbane.

"Things are going along quite nicely since we moved into our new property about four months ago and it's nice to share this moment with my sons because they work hard and deserve plenty of credit," John Meagher said.

"We had a winner at the Sunshine Coast last Sunday with St Darci and we'll be looking to kick things along in the weeks and months ahead."

Meagher won the 1985 Melbourne Cup with What A Nuisance before embarking on a successful career in Singapore where he regularly finished in the top five on the trainers' premiership.

After spending nearly 12 years in Singapore, Meagher bought and redeveloped Rivermead, formerly the Gold Coast Polo Club, which is located at Guanaba, halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

"I've never seen dad so relaxed and it's a great opportunity for myself, Chris and our other brother Paul who does a lot of our pre-training and groundwork at home," Dan Meagher said.

"In the last four years Chris and I have been able to step up and have a go and dad is always supportive, which gives us the confidence to back our judgement."

Hannibal Ad Portas was ridden by Ric McMahon who believes the gelding will be even better suited when he steps up in distance.

Meanwhile, stewards have ordered Half A Hero to barrier trial following his last in the Maiden Plate after he was backed from $4.40 into $2.60 favouritism.

"I'm sure the horse choked down because he's a 20 lengths better horse than that," trainer Steele Ryan said.

"He rolled around like a horse struggling for oxygen so I'll put a tongue tie on him and trial him before he races again."