Tough Grand National Hurdle Win Puts Andy Win in Steeplechase Picture
Consideration is now being given to the Grand National Steeplechase for Andy Win, following his determined victory at Sandown.
Andy Win, the gelding, clinched the $250,000 Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown on Sunday and has earned his spot to contest the larger jumps.
The $350,000 Grand National Steeplechase (4500m), part of the all-jumps program at Ballarat on August 16, is the next potential target. Trainer Shane Jackson stated that provided Andy Win recovers adequately from his Sunday performance, he will be entered.
Ridden by Tom Ryan, Andy Win ($3) crossed the line 1-ΒΌ lengths ahead of Ardakan ($5.50). Embezzler ($10) trailed by a further 13 lengths in third place.
Jackson suggested that Andy Win's qualification for the bigger jumps at Coleraine on July 20 might have contributed to his hesitant jumping early in Sunday's race.
"We'll let the horse tell us, but that was the plan coming here," Jackson said regarding the potential start at Ballarat.
"We ran today with the option of the Grand National Steeplechase at the end of the season."
"That's why he had a trial over them and that's why he probably jumped a few like fences early on in the race, he jumped them a bit careful."
"After jumping two flights, I thought we were in trouble."
"He wasn't travelling at all and he's had a long hard season, but I do believe if the track was softer, and a slower tempo, he would be more comfortable."
"I'm glad we've qualified him over fences because, the slower tempo in a steeplechase might be right up his alley."
Jackson lauded jockey Tom Ryan for his instrumental role in Andy Win's victory.
"I don't think there's any jockey, apart from Tom Ryan that would have won on him today," Jackson commented.
"He looked gone up the back and he had to keep him up to the job."
"Maybe the ground wasn't quite soft enough for him and there was a lot of speed, but he toughed it out."
"What a thrill."
This win marks Jackson's second achievement in the Grand National Hurdle, following last year's success with Highland Blaze.
Highland Blaze had been set to return to Sandown but sustained a suspensory injury in a narrow defeat at Flemington the previous month.
"He did a suspensory, but he'll be back," Jackson assured. "It's not career ending and we've started the rehab process already."
With the Grand National Steeplechase on the horizon, checking out Australian betting sites for the latest racing odds could be a smart move.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...