Champion Jumps Jockey Eyes Grand National Steeplechase for Stern Idol
Champion Jumps Jockey Eyes Grand National Steeplechase for Stern Idol
Champion jumps jockey Steven Pateman is likely to recommend that the talented chaser Stern Idol be aimed at the prestigious Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat following the gelding’s impressive victory in the Crisp Steeplechase at Sandown over the weekend.
Sent off as the short-priced $1.22 favorite, Stern Idol led throughout the 4200m contest to record a dominant 10-length win over stablemate Rockstar Ronnie, with Tom Foolery a further 10 lengths back in third. The victory was Stern Idol’s fourth in a steeplechase this year, showcasing the horse’s exceptional form and ability over the larger obstacles.
Pateman, who has now won the Crisp Steeplechase a remarkable seven times, seven of which have been for trainer Ciaron Maher, revealed that Stern Idol’s weight allocation for the upcoming Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Ballarat on August 25 would likely determine whether the gelding takes his chance in the time-honored event.
“If he got a realistic weight, he could run in it, and we could let him roll along and do his own thing,” Pateman said.
Stern Idol has proven himself a high-class staying chaser, with his only defeats coming when he was pulled up in last year’s Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool and the Grand National Steeplechase. Pateman believes the horse’s outstanding jumping ability could be the key to success if he takes his chance in the Ballarat feature.
“Every time we ride him to get the trip, he’s gone no good,” Pateman explained. “Maybe he is worth a crack at the National and let him do his own work, but that will be up to the handicapper.”
Ciaron Maher’s stable representative Declan Maher was equally impressed with Stern Idol’s latest victory and hinted that the team may now consider taking the jumper overseas, stating:
“He’s carried more weight than last year, but possibly won more impressively and I’m all up for taking him overseas.”
Declan Maher was also full of praise for the stable’s other runner, Rockstar Ronnie, who is being prepared for a tilt at the Grand National Steeplechase. “He’ll be hard to beat in the National after that,” Maher said.
With Stern Idol’s evident class over the larger obstacles and the potential for an international campaign, horse racing enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting the final decision on the gelding’s Grand National Steeplechase participation and the opportunity to witness the champion jumper in action once again.
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