The man who could dominate Grand National day at Riccarton says there is a little-known reason that has helped transform Happy Star from a sprinter into one of New Zealand’s best jumpers.
Jockey Shaun Fannin will ride the favourite in all three jumping races tomorrow, including the Grand National Hurdles on defending champion Happy Star and the Steeples on last year’s runaway winner West Coast.
That means Fannin rides for top jumps trainer Kevin Myers in the Hurdles but against him in the Steeples as West Coast’s biggest danger is the Myers-trained Prince Turbo.
As intriguing as that clash in the 5600m steeples will be, the GN Hurdles can complete Happy Star’s ascension from former speedster to a horse who can now win over 4200m.
“You would have thought during his flat career this horse would be no chance of staying,” Fannin told the Herald. “But growing up as a kid I was told a good sprinter can make a good jumper and I think one of the main reasons is their breathing.