Vanguard wins epic Brierly Steeplechase

Vanguard wins Brierly Steeplechase
Vanguard (NZ) ridden by Will Gordon jumps a steeple on the way to winning the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool Racecourse on May 3, 2022. (Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

Symon Wilde has won his second Brierly Steeplechase, with Vanguard proving too strong for his stablemate Britannicus at the end of the 3450m feature on Day 1 of the Warrnambool May Carnival.

Having set a strong tempo from out in front, Britannicus was the one they had to catch as he bowled along out in front under Arron Lynch, but after taking the turn poorly following the Tozer Road double, he lost a few lengths and allowed joint favourites Valac and Vanguard back into the event.

After jumping the first 17 steeples well, the ghostly grey Valac made a mistake on the second-last obstacle, losing jockey Aaron Mitchell and leaving the Wilde pair to fight it out.

And fight it out they did.

Just two-tenths of a length separated the two gallopers, with some 20 lengths back to the third horse, Police Camp.

Wilde, who already had three winners to his name from the first five races, said he loves the “spectacle” that is jumps racing, and gave plenty of credit to his team of young and passionate staff.

“What a race,” he said.

“I just love this spectacle. I really love staying horses. We’re lucky enough to have this set up, we’ve got a fantastic team and we’re able to showcase our fantastic staff at this meeting – this is the best part about it.

“Have you ever heard a roar from a crowd? It was like the football or something; that was just magnificent.

“The theatre of that was wonderful.”

Vanguard was purchased by Wilde with his hometown carnival in mind, and the five-year-old has been nothing but a revelation for him, finishing second on the flat twice before proving too good over the jumps at Hamilton on April 3.

Following today’s victory, Vanguard has firmed into $3.40 with online bookmakers for Thursday’s main event, the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m).

“We bought Vanguard to target this carnival and some stable clients jumped in,” Wilde said.

“Britannicus was a second-hand horse and he’s having a great career. We’ve got every inch out of him.”

Valac pulled up well following his fall, with all reports suggesting that he was only winded.

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