There are few sights more spectacular than watching jumps racing at Riccarton Park, and Saturday’s Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 149th Grand National Steeplechase Day offers a front-row seat to a phenomenal afternoon of racing.
The inaugural Grand National Steeplechase was run in Waimate back in 1875, and although the venue has changed, it still attracts the toughest and talented jumpers in the country to take their shot at glory.
Among the previous winners is champion jumper West Coast, who has travelled south from Awapuni for the past two seasons and simply dominated the feature. West Coast, jockey Shaun Fannin and trainer Mark Oulaghan are back to attempt a three-peat, which would be the first in the history of the race.
With the absence of fellow star The Cossack, West Coast will fly solo on top with 73kg after winning last weekend’s Koral Steeplechase (4250m) in style, while last year’s Great Northern Steeplechase runner-up Captains Run poses a challenge seven kilograms better-off in the weights.
Accompanying the steeplechase feature will be the Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury 134th Grand National Hurdles (4200m), a race that includes last year’s winner Berry The Cash who is on a formidable winning streak of six races. Also trained by Oulaghan, Berry The Cash will have a key rival also carrying the 72kg top-weight in Nedwin, who won his second Wellington Hurdles (3200m) last month.
Last weekend’s Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) was one of the closest finishes you will ever see, and the Riccarton crowd are lucky enough to have the winner and runner-up in Jay Bee Gee and Freeze Frame going head-to-head on Saturday in the Stephanie Murray Mortgages Open Handicap (1800m). Another familiar face to the Canterbury crowd is 2022 Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) winner Aljay, who is always a danger as the race distances rise.
Off the track, patrons will experience all winter racing has to offer with Canterbury Jockey Club’s Winter Fashion In The Field at the Tea House, with the first heat kicking off at 12pm. Thanks to the generous sponsors, fantastic prizes are on offer for Best Dressed, Best Suited, Millinery and ‘Tradition Of The Hunt’ ensembles.
A Fashion Ticket includes a reserved seat, a drink and refreshments for $70pp, and patrons are welcome to head over to the Grandstand after they’ve got their fashion fix to enjoy the thoroughbred action.
If you prefer the comforts of the indoors during the chilly season, dining is available in the Balmerino Room from midday for $45pp, while private Hospitality Suites with a food and beverage package are also on offer for a larger group or businesses!
The Grand National Festival of Racing only comes around once a year, so take your opportunity to be a part of Canterbury’s most iconic winter race meeting, with tickets for the Grandstand just $25pp, or $30pp on the gate.
Feature Races
Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury 134th Grand National Hurdles (4200m) – 11.40am
Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 149th Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) – 1.56pm
Stephanie Murray Mortgages Open Handicap (1800m) – 2.36pm