Left: Gavin Bedggood rides Mazzacano to victory in last year’s Australian Steeplechase at Sandown.By Paul Pickering
THE Victorian jumps racing fraternity will descend on Sandown Racecourse this weekend for the 127th running of the Australian Hurdle and Australian Steeplechase events.
Both races will be run at the Sandown Hillside track on Saturday, with each carrying an enticing purse of $101,500.
Among those vying for the time-honoured jumps trophies will be Cranbourne trainer Robbie Laing, who effected a rare double last year in claiming the Australian Hurdle with Hasta Manana and the Steeple with Mazzacano.
Earlier this week, Hasta Manana was named among a top-quality group of nominees which included the David Hayes-trained Danever, Eric Musgrove’s seasoned campaigner Dot Com, and Lyn Tolson’s Emgee Rex, coming off a win at Flemington last start.
Meanwhile, the nominations for the Australian Steeplechase were headlined by in-form jumper Toulouse Lautrec.
Chris Hyland’s seven-year-old grey has triumphed in its last three starts, with two runaway victories and a comfortable win in the Trevor Clarke Steeplechase at Flemington a fortnight ago.
Laing and fellow Cranbourne trainer Eric Musgrove are also likely to be well represented; Laing with three chances – Foxtown, Manazab and Schumpeter – and Musgrove with two – Wheel The Lead and Iggy.
On Saturday, Sandown Racing Club will also celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the first race meeting at the course with the $60,000 Anniversary Handicap to be run over 1400m.
Admission costs $8 for adults and $5 for concession, while children under the age of 18 accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.
For more information, call 9257 7100.
