Pierrot Lunaire lands Grand National Hurdle Stakes at Far Hills
Registering second consecutive Grade One victory, the former Paul Nicholls-trained, Pierrot Lunaire, crushed his opposition in the Grand National Hurdle Stakes, which is America’s biggest jumps race.
An estimated crowd of 40 thousands watched the action live at Far Hills in New Jersey last weekend. The pressure was massive on every contestant, but Pierrot Lunaire was the only one to cope up with it in a tremendous fashion.
Under Bernard Dalton, the 8-year-old was allowed to settle in the beginning. After a steady start, the Bruce F. Miller-trained pumped up his speed significantly, and railed brilliantly on the final turn. With the help of a fabulous effort, he wore down the
leader in the final stages.
“On the turn, I looked up and said 'I'll get that horse' and then for one little second I didn't think I was going to get him," said Dalton, speaking to the Daily Racing Form. "I gave my horse a slap and I felt like if we jumped the last well I'd get him.
He really dug in and ran on for me when I needed him."
Owned by Mrs Calvin Houghland, the bay gelding has enjoyed a couple of big victories after a long gap. After winning the Grade 1, Iroquois Hurdle Stakes in 2009, he struggled a lot at the higher level.
He faced three terrible defeats last year. After ending up third in the Grade 3, Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Handicap, the son of War Chant could not add the finishing touch, and subsequently got fourth spot in the Calvin Houghland Iroquois Hurdle Stakes at Percy
Warner.
In last year’s Grand National Hurdle Stakes, the gelding was quite disappointing, as he finished sixth on the table. Bred by Skymarc Farm Inc, the dashing runner could not spark early in the season.
After a lot of struggle, he finally got it right at Belmont Park, where he dominated the proceedings in the Grade 1, Lonesome Glory Hurdle Stakes last month.
Having earned a couple of fascinating victories, Pierrot Lunaire is in great rhythm at the moment. So, it will be no surprise if he delivers more positive results in the days to come.
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