Fannins hoping to continue golden run

It’s been a winter to remember for Shaun and Hazel Fannin, and they are hoping their golden run continues at Te Aroha on Sunday.

Stable representative Jesko has been the rising star among the country’s steeplechasers, winning the Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m), Wellington Steeplechase (4900m), Koral Steeplechase (4250m) and was runner-up in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m).

The eight-year-old gelding, who carries the gold silks of micro-share syndicator The Frac Club, will be among the leading chances in next month’s Ben And Ryan Foote Great NZ Steeplechase (6200m) at Te Aroha, where he could be joined by stable and ownership-mate Fourty Eight.

The seven-year-old gelding’s jumping season didn’t get off to the best of starts, battling with a foot issue, but he was able to show his talent over fences later in the season to give his large ownership group some memorable moments.

He won his maiden steeplechase, the Cody Singer Memorial (4000m), at Woodville last month, and returned to the venue a fortnight ago to finish runner-up in an open steeplechase.

“He had a few foot issues at the beginning of the season,” Shaun Fannin said. “He had to get over that and then he won his maiden steeplechase at Woodville.

“Looking at the programme, nothing fitted the next five weeks, so he was maybe found wanting the last little bit there at Woodville (last start). It seems to have cleaned him up nicely.”

The son of Ekraar subsequently had a jumping trial at Te Aroha last week to familiarise himself with the course, finishing runner-up to English Gambler in their heat.

Fannin was pleased with the way he has come through his trial and he is hoping it will aid his chances at the track in Sunday’s Howden Insurance Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4300m), for which he is currently a $3.20 favourite.

“He seems to be in good condition,” said Fannin, who will also be in the saddle on Sunday. “He went up to Te Aroha last Friday for a trial and have a look around the live fences there and he went really well. We were pretty happy with him.”

Fannin is looking forward to testing his charge against some seasoned veterans, and if can perform up to expectations, a tilt at the Great New Zealand Steeplechase is in the offing.

“This will be his biggest test to date and all the good jumpers are there, so we are looking forward to seeing how he goes against that line-up,” he said.

“If he went well on Sunday that (Great New Zealand Steeplechase) would definitely be his next start.”

He will likely be joined by Jesko, who Fannin has been pleased with since his Grand National run.

“He seems in good enough nick,” Fannin said. “As long as things continue to go well, he will look at the Great New Zealand Chase in three weeks’ time.”

Fannin said he and Hazel are rapt with their stable’s performance over winter, and they are excited to have two exciting jumpers on their hands.

“It’s great for us,” he said. “We have done everything with them, going through the grades and being successful is pleasing for us both.”