West Coast canters to payday in national steeplechase
CHRISTCHURCH: Classy jumper West Coast looked like he was out for a stroll in the park as he ambled his way to victory in the 147th Grand National Steeplechase over 5600m at Riccarton on Saturday.
Sent to the lead from barrier rise by rider Shaun Fannin, the 7yrold gelding set a leisurely pace throughout, virtually walking the first lap before increasing the tempo starting the final round of the Riccarton circuit.
With 1000m to run, it looked like West Coast’s race to lose and he did not put a foot wrong as he leapt the final obstacles without incident to canter home by 10 lengths at the winning post.
Carnaby, who had sat second throughout, tried manfully to bridge the gap, but had to settle for the runnerup position, with Tittletattle battling on strongly for third.
It was the seventh win in the race for trainer Mark Oulaghan, who admitted it was a reasonably comfortable watch as his charge surged to victory.
“With the small fields, you’re never quite sure what is going to happen, and he is probably not an experienced horse, but he got there on ability,” he said.
“I left it up to Shaun and he handled it pretty well.
“It’s good to win any race but to win a National is pretty special. Hopefully he can come back and do it all again next year.’’
Fannin was delighted to capture a win in the race after finishing runnerup on Mandalay 12 months earlier in his best result from five previous rides in the iconic event.
“This is the biggest race I’ve wanted to win as I haven’t had much luck in it, so it’s very special to get it today,” Fannin said.
“He’s probably not the best in front as he gawks around a bit.
“He controlled the race throughout in a beautiful rhythm and he was just too strong at the finish.’’
The victory was the third from just five runs over the steeplechase fences for the son of Mettre En Jeu, who has now won over $119,000 in prizemoney from his 20 career starts.
West Coast is raced by Twizel family Ron, Jennifer, Henry and Gabby Williamson.
Ron Williamson is a longtime jumps enthusiast and one of the great identities of the Kurow Jockey Club, and Jennifer is a life member of the club. — NZ Racing Desk