Stern Idol cruises home in Crisp Steeplechase

Jockey Willie McCarthy questioned those who doubted the staying ability of Stern Idol after the imported jumper gave a dashing display to claim the Crisp Steeplechase at Sandown.

As Stern Idol crossed the line in the 4200m contest 25 lengths clear of his rivals on Sunday, McCarthy put his hand up to his ear.

“There was a lot of doubters about him getting the distance prior to the race and I was just asking what they thought now,” McCarthy said.

Sent off the $1.50 Picklebet favourite, Stern Idol led home the Symon Wilde-trained pair of Vanguard ($41) and Tolemac ($15) with 1-¼ lengths separating that duo.

McCarthy had no hesitation taking Stern Idol to the lead, however he was mindful of conserving energy for later in the race.

He said Stern Idol was a special animal.

“He’s a 1200-pound monster. He’s got a huge engine,” McCarthy said.

“I’m 40 years old and I’ve been riding in races for a long time now and you don’t sit on horses like this very often. He’s a fantastic steeplechaser and I think he’s only going to get better.”

McCarthy said he would have no hesitation in recommending Stern Idol head to the Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Ballarat on August 27.

He said the gelding handled the 4200m without a problem and the 4500m on a flatter Ballarat track would not be a distance too far.

Declan Maher, representing the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable, was wiping away tears following the race after witnessing a special performance.

It was also the first occasion his three-month old son, Caolan, had also attended a race meeting.

“It’s his first day at the races today and he didn’t hurt us anyway, that’s for sure,” Maher said.

“That was difficult to watch, just the way he’s so dashing and coming into those last two or three fences he just lays it all out there.

“There were obviously question marks on the trip, but what a fantastic ride by Willie Mccarthy.

“What more can I say.”

Concerns about Stern Idol’s stamina came about after the gelding was retired from the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) in May.

But Stern Idol returned to form with a 20-length win at Pakenham in the lead-up to Sunday’s success

Maher concurred with McCarthy that it was possibly hard to ignore the Grand National Steeplechase.

“It’s probably hard to put him away after that,” Maher said.

“Obviously Ballarat is a similar circuit, you’ve got the treble up the back and it’s a nice big round track.

“Once again, Willie will probably have to give him a few breathers, and he’s got to run the trip, but he’s only got to go another 300 metres, but he was pretty impressive.”