Laing set for big racing season

CRANBOURNE trainer Robbie Laing has the chance to add another two feature races to his resume at Sandown on Saturday.
Laing has a strong hand in both the $101,500 Australian Hurdle and the $101,500 Australian Steeplechase to be run on the Sandown Hillside track – two events he is yet to taste victory in.
The events will be used as major lead-ups to the Grand National Hurdle and Grand National Steeplechase to be run at Flemington next month.
Manzeal led most of the way to score by 12 lengths in the Trevor Clarke Steeplechase for Laing in his first start over the big fences.
Manzeal, that has returned from a tendon injury, had previously won one and been placed three times in six starts over hurdles.
Laing produced another former top-flat performer in 2003 VRC St. Leger winner, Sir Pentire, to win the George Watson Hurdle on 3 June and he is sure to be a challenger in the Australian Hurdle.
While Laing’s top-line prospect True Steel broke down last week, his stablemate, Sissano also looks an excellent chance in the Australian Hurdle.
Sweet Shani has won three of her four starts over hurdles with a second at the other and is emerging as a top contender for winter jumping honours. She is prepared at Rockbank by former jockey, Therese Patton and is being ridden by her brother, Patrick Payne.
This year marks the 125th running of Melbourne Racing Club’s two premier jumping events.
The Australian Hurdle and Australian Steeplechase are legs of the J. J. Houlahan Jumps Championship that honours the champion jumps horse, trainer and jockey from 13 events run in South Australia and Victoria.
The championship began with the Von Doussa Steeplechase at Oakbank in April and concludes with the Hiskens Steeplechase at Moonee Valley on 29 July.
Jim Houlahan won the Australian Hurdle a record eight times between 1980 and 2003, including three in succession between 1994 and 1996. He also won the Australian Steeplechase twice.
Saturday also marks the 41st anniversary of the first race meeting at Sandown in 1965 and the running of the $45,000 Anniversary Handicap will mark the occasion.
There will be free children’s entertainment and admission will be $7 for adults, $4 concession and children under 18 accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.