KEY POINTS:
Isaac Lupton is the hot jockey to follow in New Zealand jumps racing in 2007 as punters found out at Riccarton yesterday.
Lupton rode a patient and well-judged race to kick home Gauchito Bastado for an easy victory in the $60,000 Pyne Gould Guinness Grand National Steeplechase.
The
6-year-old settled off the speed before working forward over the closing 1200m to power into a challenging position before the hometurn. Gauchito Bastado strode clear impressively to win by two lengths over a gallant Stitched with a further 15 lengths away to Just A Swagger (third).
Lupton won the Great Eastern Steeplechase at Oakbank, Adelaide, aboard Blase and the Wellington Steeplechase with Black Eagle this year. He was quick to acknowledge the skill of Hawera-based trainer Kevin Myers, who had the winner in faultless physical condition.
"Kevin told me a couple of months ago that this horse would win the Grand National Steeplechase and yet again he's been spot on," said Lupton. "I was a little worried after we were beaten here a week ago at Riccarton when finishing second, but this horse has obviously improved with that run leading into this race.
"We got back during the early part of the race but we really started to work over the last round.
"I knew we were in a good state before the hometurn as a few in the field were struggling."
The 28-year-old Lupton has been a jumps jockey for 10 years and has won two Waikato Hurdles (Fontera and Blakes Boy) and two Pakuranga Hunt Cups (Real Tonic and Bart).
However, his record this year ranks as a career highlight, particularly the victory in Adelaide.
Gauchito Bastado has been patiently handled by Myers, who has a daunting record with jumpers.
The race favourite, Black Eagle, took some time to recover after running last, but was otherwise fine, said trainer Kevin Hughes.
Black Eagle hit the wing of a fence hard in the middle stages of the event and although he continued in the 5600m race he dropped out and could only finish last.
Stipendiary stewards reported Black Eagle was distressed.
Hughes said the horse was winded but came right, although he took longer than expected to recover.
Black Eagle also scraped skin off a leg when he hit the fence and rider Shelley Houston had to fight to keep her seat.