Racing: No Hero a joy to ride

Jonathan Riddell was effusive in his praise of No Hero after a comprehensive win in the $60,000 Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton yesterday.

"I can't say enough, the horse is just a superstar. He's a horse we probably all should enjoy, he's so good."

Riddell said the fact there were only five starters in the race did not detract from the performance.

"He might not have beaten much today but he's good."

The win completed a great week for Riddell. On Friday night he was named jumps jockey of the year for the 2004-05 season at the thoroughbred awards. No Hero was jumper of the year.

Over the Canterbury meeting he rode four winners, including the winner of the $60,000 Grand National Hurdles, Just A Swagger, a stablemate of No Hero.

Riddell is the ninth jockey to complete the Grand National double in the same year. Four of the previous in recent times are Ken Browne (1981), Stephen Jenkins (1983), Snooky Cowan (1998) and Megan Prendergast (1999).

Riddell also becomes the 10th jockey to win the Grand National Steeplechase three or more times. He two previous wins had been with Bodle in 2001 and Eric The Bee (2002).

The record of most wins is held by Ken Browne who had four. He also trained his winners.

No Hero has won his last seven steeplechase races, beating the six in row set by Bodle.

- NZPA