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2025 Grand National Steeplechase: Leaderboard wins

2025 Grand National Steeplechase: Leaderboard wins

The Australian2 days ago
Te Akau trainer Mark Walker completed a historic Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) trifecta on Sunday at Ballarat with Leaderboard, The Mighty Spar and Prismatic.
Leaderboard stalked second-elect Stern Idol in the marathon chase and then fended off short-priced favourite Noonday Gun, who slipped after clearing the final obstacle and dropped jockey Tom Ryan. The Mighty Spar and Prismatic filled the minor places as Stern Idol tired into fourth.
Consistent performer Leaderboard had been runner-up the past three starts over the fences.
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'He lost a bit of confidence,' Walker said.
'Will (Gordon) back in the saddle today … a couple others made mistakes and he got the chocolates.'
Gordon enjoyed the cart behind Stern Idol.
'We were following Stern Idol and he was getting easy enough sectionals, which I was well aware of and I knew he would be vulnerable late,' Gordon said.
'I thought it'd be harder if Stern Idol rolled along and made it a staying test … we were able to sit on his tail and conserve energy.'
Gilbert Gardiner
Sports reporter
Gilbert Gardiner is a sports reporter for the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun.
@gilbertgardiner
Gilbert Gardiner
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