Racing: Johnston erupts at Tarawera decision

MELBOURNE - A decision to enter exciting 'chaser Tarawera for a flat race at Sandown has saved his Grand Annual Steeplechase campaign.

Bemused with the lack of jumps trials that led to the abandonment of today's steeplechase at Sandown, co-trainers Fran Houlahan and Brian Johnston also entered Tarawera for the Rokk Ebony Hcp (2400m).

Only three horses, including Tarawera, were final acceptors for the 'chase - not enough to constitute a field in the eyes of Racing Victoria.

The decision has moved Johnston to question RVL's commitment to jumps racing, especially with the Grand Annual only two weeks away.

"It is an absolute disgrace," Johnston said. "It hasn't helped us at all.

"We programmed our horse and planned our horse to run in the steeplechase at Sandown and then go to Warrnambool for the Brierly and the Grand Annual."

Johnston said there were insufficient trials to qualify steeplechase runners and that changes to the qualifying rules had adversely affected horse numbers.

- AAP