Awapuni horseman Mark Oulaghan quinella'd the 136th running of the Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton, with 10-year-old Counter Punch again countering the never-say-die attitude of stablemate Yourtheman to claim his second victory in a week.
Oulaghan had run the quinella with the same pairing in last Saturday's Koral Steeplechase, andyesterday's result came as almost an action replay, with Yourtheman looking the likely winner at the last fence, though Counter Punch gave more when it mattered.
I thought Yourtheman had it there today, but the other horse just comes back, he's too tough, said Oulaghan.
He [Counter Punch] seems to find [strength] at the end of a race, and especially the tough races he comes into his fore a bit there.
Oulaghan paid tribute to his two riders, Isaac Lupton, the winning jockey, and apprentice Daniel Stackhouse who again gave Yourtheman every chance.
Very happy with the way they were ridden. Both top horsemen. It was a good result for the stable.
The John Wheeler-trained Petushki was a gallant third after looming as a winning chance coming to the final two fences, while Floor Play was also brave in fourth.
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Tick Tock Turbo cashed in on the heaviest of track conditions and found his best form to take out the $40,000 Vernon & Vazey Open Handicap (1400m) for Awapuni owner-trainer, Lisa Latta.
The Turbulent Dancer 9-year-old extended his course record to four wins from just six starts, just shading Romany.
The $40,000 Christchurch Casino Winter Classic (2000m) fell to tough Riccarton mare Blancpain in her fourth heavy track win and her third from 12 starts on the home track.
Rider Jay Misbah went for an inside run on the turn, and once he angled to the outside fence 350m from home, she held off the favourite Halls.
Blancpain improved on a third behind Dancing Diamond on the first day of the Grand National carnival last Saturday.
