A change of heart by connections could see Bashboy continue his jumping career overseas after the nine year old scored back to back wins in the $250,000 Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Sportingbet Park Sandown on Sunday.
Trainer Ciaron Maher will consider an overseas campaign for jumper Bashboy.Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.
Prior to Sunday’s seventh straight wins over the fences for Bashboy, owner Ian McDonald told trainer Ciaron Maher that the Reigning Australian Jumper Of The Year would see out his jumping days in Australia.
“He has a lot of qualities I think you need to race overseas,” Maher said leading up to the Grand National Steeple.
“But Ian McDonald said after the Crisp the horse will be enjoyed in Australia and that he won’t be leaving.”
Maher’s opinion of Bashboy to be able to compete successfully in Europe was enhanced with the history making jumper recording a comfortable win with the impost of 72.5kg and will now meet up with McDonald to discuss the champion jumper’s future.
“Today was the target race for him, so we’ll just see how he is,” Maher said.
“Obviously he’s in great form, we’ll sit down with the connections and plan his next target.
“Steve and myself both think he’s got the quality and maybe some of the credentials you need to race over there, so we’ll just wait and see.”
And winning rider Steven Pateman is also a fan to travel overseas and couldn’t believe how easily Bashboy was able to toy with his opposition under the huge weight, labelling him a superstar.
“He’s a superstar,” Pateman said.
“It’s a privilege to have been a part of him.
“You wouldn’t have known he had 72.5. He didn’t feel it at all. He was comfortable in victory again.”
“The thing is the horse’s stamina.”
“He would have gone another 1000 metres no worries, and that would suit him over there.
“It would be great to get over there and see how he jumps their fences and hopefully fly the flag for Australia.”
Pateman has forged a great partnership with Bashboy and has been aboard the nine year old’s seven wins over the fences as well a win on the flat in a 2400m highweight at Pakenham on May 20.
Maythehorsebemagic continued a great season for trainer Jarrod McLean and his jockey brother Brad McLean with his win in the $100,000 JJ Houlahan Hurdle (3400m) at Sportingbet Park Sandown on Sunday.
The eight year old made it three wins over the hurdles this preparation with two wins at Warrnambool, on at his previous start and the other one back in early May.
