Great success for Chocolate Fish
After a disappointing third in the Grand National Steeplechase in August, Chocolate Fish, trained by Shane Brown of Woodville finally cracked the big time on Sunday September 9, winning the Irvines Great Northern Steeplechase at Te Aroha.
Not the fastest horse in the steeplechase field, Chocolate Fish showed its staying power over the 6300m, 25 jump race, pulling away from the favourite Perry Mason at the last fence and winning by four and a half lengths.
National Steeplechase winner Shamal came in third, a further two lengths behind.
Jockey Shaun Phelan had Chocolate Fish trailing pace setter Thenamesbond, and when the pressure came on from the favourite he took him to the outside and let him go.
After minor placings in recent races and third in the Grand National, trainer Shane Brown predicted Chocolate Fish would eventually win a big one, targeting the Great Northern Steeplechase — the toughest test for a stayer.
For Shane Brown, his partner Amy Ames and fellow owners David and Ellen Oliver and the 12-strong Go Again Syndicate, the winner’s prize of $75,000 and the glory attached to New Zealand’s most famous jumps race was a reward for faith in the horse.
“It’s huge to have won the Northern,” Shane said.
“I’m just rapt for the horse as he deserved that.”
For jockey Shaun Phelan too, the decision to come out of retirement has also been rewarded.