By ROY ASPINALL
TWO of Australia’s premier jumps races will take centre stage at Sandown’s Lakeside track this Saturday.
The Melbourne Racing Club will stage Melbourne’s only Saturday jumps fixture for the season. It will feature the $101,500 Australian Hurdle (3400 metres) and the $101,500 Australian Steeplechase (3900 metres).
The two races are the major lead-up events to the Melbourne Racing Club’s $200,000 Grand National Hurdle (3900 metres) on July 14 and the $250,000 Grand National Steeplechase (4500 metres) on July 28. Both races will also be held at Sandown.
The $100,000 Crisp Steeplechase (3900 metres) will also be run on July 14 as a lead-up to the Grand National Steeplechase.
The Melbourne Racing Club will add an extra incentive to the jumps races. Any horse who wins three of the six “Premier” jumps races wins a $300,000 bonus.
In 2011 the bonus first started at $100,000 but has jackpotted each year. If more than one horse wins three legs, the bonus will be shared.
The series included two races during the Warrnambool May Carnival and four jumps.
Dining packages are available and bookings can be made by ringing 9257 7100. Course admission this Saturday is $10 for adults, $5 concession, and children under 13 accompanied by an adult are admitted free.
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