The Trelawney-bred Shamal (Zabeel) capitalised on a perfect trip to take out the 144th running of the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton.
The Ken Duncan trained eight-year-old hugged the rails throughout as rider Buddy Lammas positioned him behind the steady 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 to run in the time-honoured event.
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.”
Lammas intimated that the decision to bring the horse to Riccarton had been made relatively late in the piece, a fact that was confirmed by Duncan.
“The plans don’t go back that long as he is a day-to-day proposition,” Duncan said.
“When we lined him up at Wellington he wasn’t quite as I would have l wanted him, but he still won well. The improved track conditions in the middle there were a great help which gave me some confidence.
“I really looked at the weather forecast and the sun gods have come out for me.
“It’s a huge thrill as it has been in my family for generations to win this race so it’s just fantastic.”
Shamal has strong ties to the Taylor Family, he was bred by Trelawney and a share is retained by Faith Taylor, while Ken Duncan is a cousin to Brent Taylor. Their grandfather was a passionate jumps racing fan making the win all the more meaningful.
– NZ Racing Desk