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MELBOURNE - Forgotten horse Spanish Symbol came back from a bowed tendon two years ago to score an upset win in the Hiskens Steeplechase at Moonee Valley, relegating the popular choice Some Are Bent to third in the process.
Saturday's crowd watched the race in anticipation that the $1.65 favourite, Some Are Bent, would equal the record of nine straight jumps wins set by Lots Of Time nearly 40 years ago.
But it wasn't to be, with Some Are Bent under pressure a long way out and struggling into third place.
"He raced a bit keen," said Brad McLean, who has won seven jumps races on Some Are Bent.
"A spell is the best thing for him now. He's done a great job, there were no excuses."
Trainer Robert Smerdon said Some Are Bent would now be spelled and that he hadn't been invited to run in next year's Nakayama Grand Jump in Japan.
"He's had a long campaign and Brad said he was absolutely out on his feet when he jumped the last fence," the Aquanita trainer said.
"The Grand Jump is run on firm ground and I'm happy for him to stay here. He can go back to hurdles and come back for the Macdonald [Steeplechase] and the Hiskens."
Spanish Symbol gave Hughes the feature jumps double, as earlier in the meeting the promising Shrogginet won the Moonee Valley Hurdle by 15 lengths.
Sent out at $15, Spanish Symbol raced away on the home turn and went on to score by eight lengths from Anyone We Know ($21) with Some Are Bent 2 1/2 lengths away third.
Spanish Symbol showed a lot of ability as a hurdler, winning the inaugural JJ Houlahan Hurdle (3200m) at Flemington in 2004.
But he broke down during the winter of 2005 and missed the entire 2006 winter before making his successful comeback this year.
AAP
