After being retired from the Grand National Hurdle last year, Saunter Boy has returned to Sandown 12 months later to claim victory in the race.
A near disaster has turned into triumph for the connections of Saunter Boy who claimed the Grand National Hurdle at Sandown.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Saunter Boy almost fell at the first obstacle in Sunday’s 4200m hurdle before jockey Steven Pateman was able to pick him up and regain his composure.
“He was lovely and relaxed before the race, which was good because it’s such a long race, but he got it wrong, and nearly fell,” Pateman said.
Pateman gave Saunter Boy plenty of clean air at his next couple of obstacles where the dashing grey jumped much better.
Taking the lead passing the grandstand on the first occasion, Saunter Boy ($2.90) rolled down the hill over the last 1000m under the steadier of 71kg to run out a three-quarter length winner from St Arnicca ($10) with Blandford Lad ($4) a further 2-¼ lengths away third.
Pateman admitted it was a daring move to get going so early on Saunter Boy.
“He jumped the third last really good and I capitalised on that a bit and he really wound up a long way from home,” Pateman said.
“I thought I had put all my eggs in the one basket there, but I’ve never ridden a horse that is so good at Sandown down that hill.
“We got a lot of cheap sectionals and that is why I pressed the button a long way from home, but it was very lonely after the last, but he had the fight in him anyway.
“Ciaron doesn’t mind you doing that. Today was the Grand Final, and we got it.”
Saunter Boy was retired from the Grand National Hurdle 12 months ago before the Maher and Eustace stable fitted the jumper with a tongue tie.
In six runs over jumps since, including five this year, Saunter Boy is undefeated with the added gear.
“He’s had a phenomenal year and that’s what’s so special about the jumpers,” Maher said.
“They come back year after year. Generally, they get better, they get seasoned, they get tougher and to carry that sort of weight over that trip is a phenomenal effort.
“And to do it from the front, it’s extra special.
“People get to know them, and the owners have turned up from all over Australia to watch him.”
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