Racing: Dream double in bag

New Plymouth trainer John Wheeler completed a successful raid on the winter meeting at Riccarton Park including a dream Grand National winning double.

The Wheeler-trained High Season won an incident-packed Grand National Hurdles at Riccarton on Wednesday.

Completing the double yesterday was an impressive performance by Bennyosler in the $57,500 Grand National Steeplechase.

Bennyosler scored by four lengths over the favourite Nicholman with a further 13 lengths back to Poacher (third).

Bennyosler kicked off this campaign on the flat before racing over hurdle fences. Wheeler debuted the 8-year-old over steeplechase fences last Saturday when he finished second behind Counter Punch.

Wheeler won the opening race on the card when Governor Bois scored an effortless victory in the hands of stable jockey Brett Scott.

CONSISTENT CAMPAIGNER Romeo capped a series of good performances with a well-deserved victory in the $20,000 1600m Open Handicap at Pukekohe yesterday.

Romeo scored by 1 lengths over Coolross with a further short neck back to Material Girl (third).

The 7-year-old has been in great form, scoring three wins and three minor placings from 10 starts this campaign.