Racing: Dual programme working well for Birchwood Run

Foxton trainers Christine Eagle and Michael Seymour believe a dual flat and jumps racing programme is working well with stable star Birchwood Run-an effortless winner of the $25,000 Manawatu Hurdles at Awapuni yesterday.

The 7-year-old Istidaad-sired gelding made a one-horse race of the Open Hurdle event, scoring by five lengths over Bennyosler with a further 3 lengths back to Finito (third).

Birchwood Run carried an impressive form line into the 2900m event, a last-start second placing on the flat in the Foxton Cup confirming his fitness for the Awapuni feature.

Birchwood Run has had six starts as a hurdler for three wins and two minor placings.

PAUL NELSON was much happier after the running of the $25,000 Manawatu Steeplechase following the powerful jumping display recorded by stable runner No Rush'n.

The 9-year-old nearly fell in his last-start at Te Rapa but bounced back to winning form in grand style scoring by 51/2 lengths over The Jolly Dancer with a further neck back to Sportavian (third).

LOCAL TRAINER Lisa Latta was in great form, winning with Sacha and Waitaha Toa.

Sacha had no problems on the heavy track. The hot favourite scored by a half-length over Just A Whisper with a further 1 lengths back to Chinon (third).

Waitaha Toa scored a half-length victory over Electriclite with a further neck back to Rangatira.