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Grand National on radar for mighty jumper
LOVERACING.NZ News Desk • July 28th, 2025 1:59 pm
The Mighty Spar won Sunday's Moredun Hill Steeplechase (3800m) at Casterton | Photo: Reg Ryan
Gifted Te Akau jumper The Mighty Spar added to his unblemished jumping record at Casterton when taking out the Moredun Hill Steeplechase (3800m) at the course on Sunday.
On a three-race winning streak, The Mighty Spar had earned his lofty 75kg impost in the open contest, but had the services of top hoop Steven Pateman, who allowed the gelding to settle into a comfortable rhythm in midfield.
He continued to make up ground with his effective jumping style and joined Fabalot in the lead a long way out, outmuscling the second-elect before the final fence and skipping away to win by 3 – ½ lengths.
Mark Walker, who trains The Mighty Spar out of his base at Cranbourne, continues to be impressed by his affinity with the live fences.
“It was another terrific win, gee, he loves the Casterton course,” Walker said. “It was great to see him win, even with 75 kilos, he was still able to quicken away when he needed to and Steve Pateman is developing a great affinity with him.
“You could see the respect he had for him when they pulled up over the line, how he gave him a big hug and a pat.
“He’s getting up in the weights now, so we’ll just see how he comes through the race before we make a decision whether he backs up in the Grand National Hurdle and Grand National Steeplechase.
“He’s certainly having a fantastic season.”
The Grand National Hurdle (4200m) will be run in seven days’ time (August 3) at Sandown, with the Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) a fortnight later at Ballarat. The Te Akau barn is already targeting the feature contests with Leaderboard, who finished third and second respectively in last year’s editions. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
