By ROY ASPINALL
BASHBOY looks the horse to beat in the 146th running of Australia’s premier jumping event, the $250,000 Grand National Steeplechase (4500 metres) on the Lakeside track at Sandown this Sunday.
He firmly stamped his class with an outstanding win in the $100,000 Crisp Steeplechase (3900 metres) at the same venue on July 15.
Always travelling well, Bashboy made one bad jump at the back of the track but recovered well to beat Titch by 12 lengths.
They were the only two of the eight starters to complete the course, with two having harmless falls and four being eased out of the race when they were beaten runners.
Bashboy is a lightly raced eight year old, having had just 30 starts. He has raced five times over jumps for four wins, but it all looked to be over more than two years ago.
A tendon injury saw the gelding sidelined for two years after winning two hurdle races in three days at the 2010 Warrnambool May Racing Carnival.
A lot of time and hard work by part-owner Ian MacDonald, a Melbourne Racing Club committeeman, plus the care of trainer Ciaron Maher saw Bashboy return to racing in May.
The same month he gained his steeplechase ticket after an impressive second on the flat over 2000 metres at Seymour.
He then ran a good fifth over 2600 metres at Morphettville Park in Adelaide before debuting over the fences with a 20?-length win in the Southern Financial Group Steeplechase (3400m) at Warrnambool on July 7.
Australia’s top jumps jockey, Steve Pateman, rode him in both the steeplechase wins and will partner him over the 16 fences of the Grand National.
“He’s a good stayer who handles wet tracks and is a definite improver,” Pateman said.
The Grand National will be well supported by Sunday’s $100,000 JJ Houlahan Hurdle (3400m) , which is sure to attract a very strong field.
Entry is is $10 for adults, $5 concession and children under 18 accompanied by an adult are free. Dining packages are also available and bookings can be made by phoning 9257 7100.
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