Grand National Steeplechase (New Zealand) Explained

Class:Prestige jumping
Horse Race:Grand National Steeplechase (New Zealand)
Location:Riccarton Park Racecourse, Christchurch, New Zealand
Race Type:Thoroughbred - Jump Racing
Distance:5600 m
Surface:Turf
Track:Left-handed
Qualification:Open
Weight:Handicap
Purse:NZ$150,000 (2023)

The Great National Steeplechase held at Riccarton Park Racecourse is one of New Zealand's major steeplechase jumping races.

History

The Grand National Steeplechase has been held on 148 occasions to date. The Grand National was first run in 1875 in Willowbridge, near Waimate in South Canterbury, over 4 miles. Since 1891 the horses have competed over a three and a half mile journey (now 5600m), making it one of New Zealand's longest horse races and it is run in winter when the grass tracks are soft or heavy. The race is therefore a great test of stamina and fitness for both horse and rider.

Initially the race was run alternately in South Canterbury, North Otago and North Canterbury. In 1884 Christchurch became the permanent venue and in 1888 it was arranged that the Canterbury Jockey Club should run the Grand National Steeplechase and it has been held at Riccarton ever since.[1]

Jockeys to have won the race four times are:

Women jockeys to have won the race are:

The most successful horse is The Agent, who won the race three times (1879, 1880 and 1884).[4]

Recent results

Year
Winner
Breeding
Jockey
Trainer(s)
Time
Second
Third
2023[5] West Coast Metre En Jeu (NZ) - Testament (NZ), by GrosvenorShaun Fannin Mark Oulaghan, Awapuni[6] 7:10.38 (heavy) Prince TurboCarnaby
2022[7] West Coast Metre En Jeu (NZ) - Testament (NZ), by GrosvenorShaun Fannin Mark Oulaghan, Awapuni7:26.21 (heavy)Carnaby Tittletattle
2021[8] Tallyho Twinkletoe St Reims (NZ) - Albacora (NZ), by Lord Ballina (Aus) Shaun Phelan Kevin Myers, Wanganui7.39.32 (heavy)Mandalay Shamal
2020not held
2019[9] It's A Wonder[10] Istidaad (USA) - Princess Julie (NZ), by Prince Ferdinand (GB) Shaun Phelan 7:25.90 (heavy) Gargarin Mr Enthusiastic
2018[11] Shamal Zabeel (NZ) - Mistrale (NZ), by Volksraad (GB) Buddy Lammas[12] Ken Duncan 7:01.05 (heavy) Tai Ho Chocolate Fish

Previous winners

[13]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Great Horses – 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand – Te Ara.
  2. Web site: 26 July 2022 . Leading jumps jockey Phelan on top of the world . 2024-05-25 . www.racingnews.co.nz.
  3. Web site: Where is she now? Debbie Henderson. Ashley. Stanley. May 13, 2021. Newsroom.
  4. Web site: Racing: History surrounds race. June 9, 2024. NZ Herald.
  5. Web site: Race 6 RACECOURSE HOTEL MOTOR LODGE 148TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 12 AUG 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  6. Web site: Trainer makes mark in jumps. May 25, 2024. NZ Herald.
  7. Web site: Race 6 RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE 147TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 13 AUG 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  8. Web site: Race 6 RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE 146TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 14 AUG 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  9. Web site: Race 6 RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE 145TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 10 AUG 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  10. Web site: Racing: Waverley's It's A Wonder wins Grand National Steeplechase. May 25, 2024. NZ Herald.
  11. Web site: Race 6 RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE 144TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 11 AUG 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  12. Web site: Grand National won by a whisker. May 25, 2024. NZ Herald.
  13. Costello, John and Finnegan, Pat (1988). Tapestry of Turf. Moa Publications.
  14. Web site: Race 7 RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE 143RD GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 12 AUG 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  15. Web site: Race 7 RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE 142ND GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 13 AUG 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  16. Web site: Race 7 RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE 141ST GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 8 AUG 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  17. Web site: Race 6 RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE 140TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 9 AUG 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  18. Web site: Race 6 RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE 139TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 10 AUG 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  19. Web site: Race 6 RACECOURSE HOTEL & MOTOR LODGE 138TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 11 AUG 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  20. Web site: Race 7 FMG 137TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 13 AUG 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  21. Web site: Race 7 FMG 136TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 14 AUG 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  22. Web site: Race 7 FMG 135TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 8 AUG 2009 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  23. Web site: Race 7 PGG WRIGHTSON 134TH GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 9 AUG 2008 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  24. Web site: Race 6 PGG WRIGHTSON 133RD GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 11 AUG 2007 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  25. Web site: Race 8 PGG WRIGHTSON 132ND GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP at RICCARTON PARK - CANTERBURY JC on 12 AUG 2006 | LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  26. Web site: No Hero (NZ) 1996 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ. loveracing.nz.
  27. Web site: Racing: Rider ups work rate to be on Easystreet and eat a bit. May 25, 2024. NZ Herald.

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