Shamal cuts to the chase
Hunterville visitor Shamal capitalised on a perfect trip throughout to win the 144th running of the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton yesterday.
The Ken Duncan-trained eightyear-old hugged the rails throughout as rider Buddy Lammas positioned him behind the pace set by stablemates Amanood Lad and Kings Deep.
Shamal never covered an inch of extra ground until Lammas angled him into the clear to make his challenge with two fences left.
Southern raider Tai Ho joined issue at that point and the pair drew clear to fight out the finish with Shamal proving too tough in the final stages as he eased clear to score the biggest win of his 38-start career.
Lammas, who had partnered Shamal to victory in the Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m) at Trentham last month when having his first ride on the Zabeel gelding, admitted he was confident of a win as his charge travelled comfortably throughout. “He travelled really good,” he said. “Last time I led on him and this time I took a sit. He was pulling all the way but I just had that much horse underneath me.
“I knew once we got over the last fence all I had to do was keep him going and he fought really well to the line.
“It’s a huge thrill as it has been in my family for generations to win this race so it’s just fantastic.”
Race favourite Chocolate Fish put in his usual honest finish to snatch third while sentimental favourite Amanood Lad weakened out to finish sixth.
● The Gay Robinson-trained Finbarr justified some inspired support when he produced a brave effort to take out the Premier Open (1400m) at Riccarton yesterday.
Rider Lee Callaway asked his charge to come into the race at the 400m mark and he responded gamely to wear down pacemaker Irish Excuse in the final stages as he scored by a neat length with Shaara finishing resolutely to steal third.
● Top jockey Lisa Allpress followed the adage that the shortest way home in any race is hard up on the rails as she guided the lightly raced Dez to victory in the Winter Classic (1800m).
The win was the third for Dez in his current campaign after he spent more than two years on the sideline with injury after winning two of his first three starts. His career record now stands at five wins and three placings from just 10 starts.