Australian jumps racing took centre stage at Ballarat on Sunday with the running of the $400,000 Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) and the $150,000 JJ Houlahan Hurdle (3250m) with both races won by NZ bred horses The Good Fight (NZ) and The Cunning Fox (NZ).
The Good Fight wins the GN Steeplechase - image Grant Courtney
10 year-old High Chaparral (IRE) gelding The Good Fight has had several changes of trainer in his life and after being purchased through Inglis Digital for $40,000 in January last year joined the stable of part-owner Reece Goodwin and is now trained by Rachael Cunningham.
A stakes-winner in his earlier life of the Group III Rotorua Cup, he has the overall race record of seven wins and 19 placings from 61 starts and has earned over $746,000 in prizemoney.
The Cunning Fox has won three in a row over the jumps - image Grant Courtney
Six year-old Reliable Man (GB) gelding The Cunning Fox is still with his original Prime Thoroughbreds ownership group and trained by Patrick Payne having been purchased as a yearling for $34,000 at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale from Valiant Stud.
He’s been flying during the winter over the fences and this was his third win in a row with his overall record now eight wins and five placings from 29 starts with prizemoney in excess of $521,000.
