Trish Dunell
Unheralded Te Awamutu trainer Graham Falconer enjoyed a superb day out on Sunday when he produced a winning double in the feature jumping races at Te Aroha.
Falconer saddled maiden chaser Noah Jon to take out the Knottingly Farm Open Steeplechase in a driving finish after earlier producing El Corby to win the Piako Rural Services Open Hurdle. The victory with Noah Jon wasn’t without some concern though as the rugged nine-year-old had to survive a protest from runner-up Istimagic after rider Charlie Studd alleged interference in the run to the last fence cost his mount a winning turn.
In a race turned on its head when favourite Nells Belle crashed out of contention with a lap to run, rider Gary Walsh played a waiting game on Noah Jon before sending him to the front with 800 metres to run. Pacemaker Mr Kanton went with him as Istimagic tracked the pair and it was these three who cleared out approaching the home turn. Mr Kanton crashed at the last leaving Noah Jon and Istimagic to fight out the finish which they did in a slogging battle that saw Noah Jon put his head in front right on the post.
Falconer was understandably emotional when questioned about the performance.
“He’s always been a good jumper but has just found one to beat him,” he noted.
“It was a great ride by G Walsh as he put him right on the money.
“I think he has slowly improved along and come to it now so it’s an excellent result.”
Walsh who had also partnered El Corby was full of praise for the effort.
“It’s crazy he’s still a maiden,” he remarked.
Trish Dunell
“His first jumps start was against Indikator at Ellerslie and he’s finished second to some good horses along the way.
“Fitness also played its part today as he’s been getting fitter at his last few runs.”
Walsh had an easier task earlier in the day with El Corby signalling he is ready to compete in the better hurdling ranks with a comprehensive performance in victory.
The rising eight-year-old gelding had caught the eye when winning a maiden hurdle on the track back in June and he took the step-up to competition against race winners with a degree of ease as he sauntered home by four lengths from Waverley visitor It’s A Wonder.
“He’s a tough little critter who had really improved since last time,” noted Falconer.
“He’s a tricky little guy but you’ve got to love him.
“We’re going to go step by step with him as he hasn’t done a lot of jumping. He must have more ability than I’ve given him credit for!” – NZ Racing Desk