- Source: Grand National Steeplechase (New Zealand)
The Great National Steeplechase held at Riccarton Park Racecourse is one of New Zealand's major steeplechase jumping races.
History
The Grand National Steeplechase has been held on 148 occasions to date. The Grand National was first run in 1875 in Willowbridge, near Waimate in South Canterbury, over 4 miles. Since 1891 the horses have competed over a three and a half mile journey (now 5600m), making it one of New Zealand's longest horse races and it is run in winter when the grass tracks are soft or heavy. The race is therefore a great test of stamina and fitness for both horse and rider.
Initially the race was run alternately in South Canterbury, North Otago and North Canterbury. In 1884 Christchurch became the permanent venue and in 1888 it was arranged that the Canterbury Jockey Club should run the Grand National Steeplechase and it has been held at Riccarton ever since.
Jockeys to have won the race four times are:
Ken Browne in 1978 (Regal Mink), 1981 (Charlestown), 1985 and 1986 (Crown Star).
Shaun Phelan in 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2021.
Women jockeys to have won the race are:
1994 Debbie Henderson
1995 Leanne Elliot
1999 Megan Prendergast
2000 Rochelle Lockett
The most successful horses are the three-time winners:
Agent (1879, 1880 and 1884)
West Coast (2022, 2023 and 2024).
Recent results
Previous winners
See also
Great Northern Steeplechase
Great Northern Hurdles
New Zealand Cup
Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand
References
Kata Kunci Pencarian:
- Grand National Steeplechase (New Zealand)
- List of horse races
- Steeplechase (horse racing)
- Grand National
- Great Northern Steeplechase
- Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand
- List of racehorses
- Repeat winners of horse races
- Great Northern Hurdles
- Harvey Wilson
