The Mighty Spar makes it Three Straight

[Wandering Eyes]

Defending his crown, The Mighty Spar (NZ) (Savabeel) won the A$35,000 WC & AC Miller Steeplechase (3800m) on 29 June at Casterton (Victoria) in impressive fashion, having to carry 74.5kgs.

Unbeaten now in three attempts on the course, having won the corresponding event last season and making it two from two in the Ecycles Two Rivers Steeplechase (3800m) on 18 May, The Mighty Spar proved too strong last time out when winning the Bill Roycroft Steeplechase (3200m) on 15 June at Terang, and started a $1.70 race favourite. 

Completing a hat-trick of victories with top jumps’ rider Steven Pateman in the saddle, The Mighty Spar cruised along behind the leaders before taking on two rivals ahead of the last obstacle, and his turn of foot on the flat was too quick, despite the burden of 74.5kg. 

“It was a terrific win, carrying that big weight on a heavy track and he’s just so consistent,” said trainer Mark Walker. 

“He’s gives his all over the jumps every time he goes out and it was another lovely ride of Steve Pateman’s. 

“It was a weight carrying record in the race and not since 2014 had a horse carried that much weight to win a jumps race. “

“Casterton is certainly his favourite track, he’s three from three there, and he’s an absolute beauty.”

Walker had recently said that The Mighty Spar would contest two upcoming Steeplechases at Casterton, and with the first assignment in the bank, he will now prepare for the Casterton Chase (3600m) on Saturday, 26 July.

The Mighty Spar was purchased by David Ellis CNZM, from the draft of Waikato Stud, at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, and is owned by Te Akau Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

A great campaigner to be involved in, since powering home from last to win his Maiden over 1400 metres as a three-year-old at Matamata, The Mighty Spar has now registered 11 wins, including six over fences, eight seconds, and 10 thirds, for almost $365,000 in prize money.

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