A field of 12 plus three emergencies has been declared for Australia’s most gruelling race, the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool.
Thursday’s 5500m race crosses roads and races up and down paddocks while also turning in different directions with contestants negotiating 33 jumps.
Last year’s winner No Song No Supper is back to defend his crown with Martin Kelly in the saddle.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Regina Coeli is chasing her first win since the 2015 Grand Annual in which she finished sixth last year.
Great Eastern Steeplechase winners Lord of The Song and Spying On You are proven stayers also among the 12 runners.
Also on Thursday’s card is the Warrnambool Cup (2350m) which has brought together a field of 14 with last start Easter Cup winner Observational the 60kg topweight.
Acceptances were also taken on Monday for the Galleywood Hurdle and Wangoom Handicap.
A field of eight, headed by Arch Fire, will run in the Galleywood while a field of 15 including the past two Wangoom winners, Yesterday’s Song and Royal Island, will contest the 1200m-sprint.
