Shamal upsets in Grand National

Racecourse Hotel feature goes to Hunterville visitor

Kenny and Jacques Duncan received just reward for their continued passion and support for jumps racing with SHAMAL winning the 144^th running of the Racecourse Hotel sponsored Grand National Steeplechase. Buddy Lammas who had previously won a Coupland’s Bakeries Mile on the course was the winning rider whilst the win gave Ken his ultimate moment to date as a trainer. Southland trainer Ellis Winsloe almost pulled off an amazing training feat with TAI HO finishing second after an interrupted programme and favourite CHOCOLATE FISH ran second.
DEZ prepared by an unassuming Simon Wilson at Waipukurau backed up from his third in the Winter Cup to win the Christchurch Casino Winter Classic from the first days feature winner PLATINUM COMMAND and ELFEE.
FINBARR showed how unlucky he was to miss a start in the Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup gaining some compensation winning the Millennium Hotels & Resorts Premier Open. Southlanders IRISH EXCUSE and SHAARA filled the minor placings.
The Kevin Myers stable had a relatively lean Carnival by their usual standards but did win the Speights Premier Hurdle the days opening event with THE HUNTSMAN.
Brian and Shane Anderton and the O’Malley clan from Ikamatua combined with the inform THE MAN to win the HeatStore Premier. Stable apprentice Corey Campbell was in good form winning his second race of the day after being aboard AMUN RA in the previous race.
Northern stables won seven of the 10 races to level the score after the three days at 15 all.