Historic hurdle at Sandown

By Glen Atwell
EQUINE history will again be written when Australia’s premier hurdle event is run at Sandown Racecourse on Saturday.
The $252,000 Grand National Hurdle, raced over 4300 metres on the hillside track, is usually the highlight of Flemington’s winter program, but its refurbishment means the prestigious race will be run at Sandown.
Robbie Laing, who scored a memorable winning double at Sandown on 16 June with Hasta Manana and Mazzacano, has nominated nine runners on the eight-race card.
Hasta Manana will contest the Grand National Hurdle, while Mazzacano is set for the $150,000 Crisp Steeplechase and both are likely chances.
Hasta Manana will have his work cut out racing against arguably Australia’s best hurdler Some Are Bent and the in-form Forest Knight.
Saturday’s Grand National will be the 126th running of the event.
Mazzacano is tipped to win the race-eight steeplechase, but must overcome stiff competition in the form of Enzed and Real Tonic, to clinch victory.
Course admission is $10 for adults, $6 concession and children 11 and under accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.