Tarawera leads the field

Jumps racing has suffered another blow today, with one of the only lead up races to the Grand Annual being deleted off tomorrow’s program at Sandown.

Racing Victoria elected to delete the steeplechase event after only three horses accepted for the race.

Amongst the acceptors was top-class talent Tarawera, who was using the race as much needed training for the $150,000 Grand Annual on May 5, 2011.

Tarawera’s co-trainer Fran Houlahan is extremely frustrated by the turn of events that will see her horse go to the much anticipated Grand Annual underdone.

“When you’re trying to get a horse ready for the Annual, it’s pretty hard when you can’t have a race,” she said.

Australian Jumping Racing Association president Rodney Rae believes that there will be ample opportunities for horses to compete in jump races over the coming weeks.

“We will have more horses qualified this week,” Mr Rae said.

I’m confident we’ll have sufficient runners for Warrnambool.”