It’s a Wonder wall
In a thrilling finish to the day’s second feature jumping event, Waverley visitor It’s A Wonder fought back in the final few strides to down South Island raider Delacroix in the Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) at Te Rapa yesterday.
The pair were locked together over the final two fences, and just as Delacroix looked to have the upper hand, rider Shaun Fannin extracted a little more from It’s A Wonder to claim victory by a short neck.
The win capped a stellar day for trainer and part-owner Harvey Wilson, who produced Bad Boy Brown to run close up in fourth in the Fairview Motors Waikato Hurdle (3200m), while promising flat galloper Password finished on strongly for third in a rating 83 2100m contest in which Tommyra bolted home.
“That was a great thrill and he was very tough, so we are very proud of him,” Wilson said. “We were a little concerned going into the race as he has had his troubles getting around the bends here in the past but he handled it a lot better this time.”
● Trainer Allan Sharrock and his apprentice Hazel Schofer claimed all the plaudits at Hawera yesterday, with the pair dominating.
Sharrock and Schofer combined for victories aboard Shanghai Express, Tavi Mac, Beckidboo and Aricina as Sharrock also scored with The Grinder, ridden by Lisa Allpress, and Cannoli at Te Rapa to make it six wins on the day.
Not to be outdone, Schofer, who returned to riding post-lockdown only after an extended break due to weight issues, also scored on the Warren Bolton-trained Jazamour and veteran galloper Dolcetto for Sylvia Kay to register her own set of six victories.
The six wins by Sharrock and Schofer see the pair at the top of their premiership tables. — NZ Racing Desk