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Rayner chasing dream family double in National
Paul Vettise, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk ⢠ August 8th, 2025 12:26 pm
Lord Spencer will contest the Hospitality NZ Canterbury Grand National Hurdles (4200m) at Riccarton Park on Saturday | Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
JJ Rayner is bidding to follow in the footsteps of her father at Riccarton on Saturday.
The Wanganui horsewoman will realise a long-held dream if her charge Lord Spencer can claim top honours in the Hospitality NZ Canterbury Grand National Hurdles (4200m).
In 1990, the Evan Rayner-trained Mister Divinsky won the Sydenham Hurdles (3200m) before he produced another dashing display seven days later to coast home in the National and remain unbeaten over the small fences.
âIt would be so awesome to match that, he was a fabulous jumper and won all six of his races before he sadly broke down,â JJ Rayner said.
Last yearâs Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) winner Lord Spencer didnât figure in the finish of the Sydenham on the opening day of the festival but will strip a lot fitter for the outing.
He had suffered a minor setback after finishing fifth in the Hawkeâs Bay Hurdles (3000m) before heading south.
âIt probably didnât look much last Saturday, but he really needed it,â Rayner said.
âAfter Woodville, he tweaked his joint a little bit. It was nothing major and we had to give him a few days off and then go quietly.
âHe was a bit fresh on the first day and pulled hard, he was probably way too handy during the running, so it was all a bit upside down for him.â
Since then, Lord Spencer has done everything right ahead of the National, in which he will again be ridden by Lemmy Douglas.
âHeâs done so well during the week, he hasnât left an oat and had a good bowl around on the plough on Thursday morning,â Rayner said.
âHeâs really good, heâs bouncing around and eating well, heâs fighting fit.â
She has also made a change with Saturdayâs extended trip in mind.
âIâve taken the side winkers off for Saturday, heâs got another 1000m to go so weâre hoping heâll settle like he normally does,â Rayner said.
âI wonât be too worried if he switches off and goes back and then gets going again, thatâs how he likes to do things.
âHe can go through a flat patch, heâs a really funny horse and you canât boss him around.
âHe canât be told what to do, he can dig his toes in, so you just have to go with him.â
Lord Spencer has won three times over fences and finished fourth in the National 12 months ago and less than five lengths off the winner Berry The Cash, the pre-post favourite in the defence of his title. â LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
