Sunday’s Grand National Steeplechase was delayed after Chris McCarthy was dislodged at an early jump in the race preceding the day’s feature.
McCarthy fell from Twin Spinner after that horse slipped upon landing early in the Henry Dwyer Racing Steeplechase leaving McCarthy with a suspected shoulder injury.
The incident happened early in the 3600-metre event, leaving McCarthy requiring medical attention on the track, prompting stewards to abandon the event mid-race.
McCarthy’s tumble came just 40 minutes after he partnered Fabalot to a dashing win in the $150,000 J J Houlahan Hurdle (3250m).
The German import shattered the track record by more than four seconds when he powered to a 12-length win over Symon Wilde-trained stablemate Field Of Lights in a time of 3:44.99.
The victory was McCarthy’s second feature of the season following his all-the-way Grand Annual Steeplechase win aboard Rockstar Ronnie at Warrnambool in May, which prompted Wilde to praise the rider as much as the horse after the Houlahan Hurdle.
“I reckon Chris McCarthy is brilliant on front-runners, he just gets it right and he nearly stole the National for us (on Count Zero) a couple of weeks ago,” Wilde said.
“I thought it was a good daring ride, the horse can really stick on and he’s just come of age really.”
Wilde will now turn his attention to next year’s Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool with Fabalot, who beat home all-bar star jumper Saunter Boy in this year’s edition.
