Outstanding hurdler Happy Star showed he was at peak fitness to defend his Hospitality NZ Grand National Hurdles (4200m) crown next weekend when he cruised away to win the traditional lead-up event at Riccarton, the Avon City Ford Sydenham Hurdles.
Mixing training a team of horses with being the country’s leading jumps jockey keeps Shaun Fannin fairly busy, however, he has found success in both roles this season, culminating in a fourth Jumps Jockey Premiership title.
Hometown lad Shaun Fannin was full of emotion at Hastings racecourse on Saturday after attaining a lifelong dream of winning the Hawke’s Bay Hurdle and Steeplechase double.
Awapuni jumps jockey and trainer Shaun Fannin enjoyed a successful outing in the saddle at Woodville on Sunday, a hot run of form he hopes can continue heading into the AHD Hawke’s Bay Hunt Raceday at Hastings this Saturday.
Under a deluge of rain at Awapuni on Saturday, local trainer Roydon Bergerson came very close to withdrawing Town Cryer from the Listed ANZAC Mile (1600m) at his home meeting the following day, but he is thanking his lucky stars that he didn’t.
