Koral Steeplechase win for Roodyvoo

5th Aug 2012

Trans-Tasman performer Roodyvoo (NZ) (Istidaad) returned from his latest trip to stake his claim for New Zealand’s Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton next weekend with a tough win on the opening day of the carnival.

Kevin Myers

Wanganui trainer Kevin Myers’ conditioning skills were evident on Saturday when the seven-year-old triumphed in the Koral Steeplechase after a successful Victorian campaign through June and July.

Roodyvoo (NZ) was winless in Australia in four starts but did finish runner-up in the Australian Steeplechase at Sandown and the Mosstrooper Steeplechase at Bendigo.

He was ridden in both races by Isaac Lupton who also guided him to his previous steeplechase wins at Hawera and Wanganui and they continued their successful association at the weekend.

Roodyvoo (NZ) made his move across the top to lead into the final jump and held out the late finish of Ho Down (NZ) (Victory Dance) with the pacemaker The Fox (NZ) (Desert Fox) third ahead of the southerner Lautenschlager (NZ) (Forensic Evidence).

Bred by Ms S M Hogan, Kay Thomson & Ms J A Walker, Roodyvoo (NZ) is a son of Pontoon (NZ) (Yachtie) who won three times while her mother Tempted (NZ) (Drums of Time) was also a winner.

His victory was due reward for the Myers stable after their maiden steeplechase contender Malachite (NZ) (His Royal Highness) was taken out of contention by a riderless horse in the event won by the John Wheeler-trained Ayatollah (NZ) (Kashani).