Star jumper Tallyho Twinkletoe (NZ) (St Reims) was not amongst the nominations for Sunday’s Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Ballarat, with connections of the Kevin Myers-trained 11-year-old opting against a trip across the Tasman.
Coming off a successful week in Christchurch where he dominated his rivals in both the Koral Steeplechase (4250m) and Grand National Steeplechase (5600m), the relatively quick turnaround to Ballarat was deemed too much.
“It was one of the options, but we just decided against it,” part-owner Jo Rathbone said.
“It was a big ask after a race like that. It was a tough race. It was so heavy and pretty taxing on them and it was only a two-week turnaround, so for the horse’s sake we decided against it. I’d rather be on the cautious side and take care of him. He’s got nothing to prove.”
The winner of 15 of his 33 starts, including the rare feat of winning the Grand National Hurdles and Steeples on both sides of the Tasman, Tallyho Twinkletoe is unlikely to race again this preparation.
Australia remains an option next year for the top jumper.
“Hopefully we can get him across next year,” Rathbone said. “We just take him as he comes. As the season progresses we decide where we are at.”
