With the warm weather returning Grand National/Spring Stk day attracted a good sized crowd with plenty venturing out onto the lawns for the running of the races.  In the first race Rich Pride was in front but in the final few strides Rock Musician joined him and just had his nose in front on the line with Bojani third as the Victorian stable of R Laing took out the first race.

In the second race a group of new season 3yos lined up but it was Pistolier who defied all efforts to run him down defeating Forever Discreet with Sky Disk third.  Pistolier really was the omen bet of the day on Grand National Hurdle day as the previous Pistolier foaled 100 years before todays winner won a number of stakes races before winning the 1918 SA Grand National Hurdle during a career where he raced from 2 until he was 18 years old (yes a 16 year career).

The third race was one of the highlights in the SA Grand National Hurdle.  Coming to the first fence Zaman led from King Triton and Dubhdara followed by Shejtan then Dumosa.  Approaching the home turn on the first lap King Triton led going keenly from Zaman with Dubhdara third then Dumosa followed by Shejtan then Take Out and Target Explorer.  In the home straight the first time it became clear that the saddle on Dubhdara shifted but with clever riding Richard Eynon who briefly thought about retiring from the race was able to let his mount stride up alongside King Triton in front with Zaman in third place then Dumosa with Shejtan out wider.  As they turned to head along the back Dubhdara was now in front but settled down well in the pacemaker role from King Triton from Zaman and Dumosa then Shejtan and Take Out.  Over the jump at the 1400m Dubhdara led from Zaman and King Triton then Dumosa as Take Out stumbled on landing and threw jockey S Jackson high on his neck but his rider somehow got balanced and back into the saddle within a few strides.  BY the 600m Zaman was making a run up along the inside to nearly join Dubhdara in front with King Triton ahead of Dumosa as Shejtan started to run on from Target Explorer.  Over the second last Dubhdara had kicked clear again but Zaman on the inside and Shejtan on the inside were starting to run on with Dumosa the best of the others.  Over the last Dubhdara was holding Zaman and Shejtan as King Triton started to run on again from Dumosa and Target Explorer with Take out fairly close.  In the run to the line Dubhdara showed plenty of determination to fight off the challenge of Shejtan to win by a length with Zaman third then King Triton from Dumosa then Target Explorer and Take Out as the entire field finished within 15 lengths of the winner a similar distance as fields in other shorter flat races on the day.  Dubhdara created a new chapter in the race being the first dual winner of the Grand National Hurdle since My Court Jewel in the 80s and 90s and one of only handful to win the race twice in the entire history of the race dating back to the late 1800s.

In the fourth race Splash of Moet led and kicked back strongly when challenged in the straight but Schaduw finished too strongly to record her third win in a row from Visual Impact with Splash of Moet third.  Ring Me Not also made it three in a row winning the next from Perfect Punch with Quick Snitzel third taking his record to 39 starts for 9 wins and 11 placings and over $150,000 in prizemoney.  Nearest to Pin made it 4 from 8 in winning the next race from the determined Mr Good Cat with Exalted Moment third.

In the Group 3 Spring Stakes a classy field lined up including the Group 1 performer Happy Trails, multiple stakeswinner Budriguez, Group 2 winner Meliora and local stakeswinners Just Discreet and Gamblin Guru.  While Happy Trails was blocked for a run at a crucial stage Just Discreet set out after the leader Meliora.  Inside the final 50m Just Discreet hit the front to come away and win by 1 1/2 lengths from Meliora with Golden Penny third with Happy Trials flying home late for 5th.

The final race saw Heart of a Lion defeat former Hong Kong horse Maelstrom with Suki third.  Heart of a Lion took his record to 6 starts for 2 wins and 3 placings.         

With the feature jumps races continuing its likely that the protestors (who seem to come in from Melbourne - no protestors have been noticed during the winter season so far) may return to Morphettville in August.  If they do it has been suggested that if they cause any issues with the loudhailer etc please just walk straight on by and report what happened to the nearest security guard or police (I know loud noise can hurt the ears but best to refrain from any action in anger).  Also its been suggested that if you find their signs/banners offensive please contact the raceclub and make this known.