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Veteran jumper Juan Carlos has readied himself for a third Grand National Steeplechase tilt next fortnight with a workmanlike victory in the $100,000 Crisp Steeplechase at Betfair Park Sandown this afternoon.
Going over the jumps for just the second time this preparation, eleven-year-old stalwart Juan Carlos was the focus of solid support in betting to claim this afternoon's $100,000 Crisp Steeplechase (3900m) at Betfair Park Sandown.
Reunited with Juan Carlos after two years apart, jockey Gerrad Gilmour showed patience aboard the son of Encosta De Lago allowing the veteran to settle midfield as Plumtastic led at a strong tempo.
After going over the jumps with minimal fuss, Gilmour began to ask from Juan Carlos just before the turn and he responded by gradually making ground on the leaders.
A long sustained run by the Allison Bennett-trained Juan Carlos resulted in the eleven-year-old striking the front just inside a furlong out.
Juan Carlos then survived a late challenge from race favourite Kerdem (2nd) to record his biggest career win over the jumps by claiming the $100,000 Crisp Steeplechase (3900m).
“He is a great horse, we just love him,” Bennett said.
“His longevity is fantastic. He is a beautiful horse to have around the stables, everyone loves him.
“It is really nice for him to come out and do this.”
Despite getting on now in years there have been no thoughts amongst connections of retiring Juan Carlos who are instead looking forward to the $200,000 Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Betfair Park Sandown next fortnight.
“He loves it [racing],” Bennett said.
“He would be bored stiff otherwise. He loves stable life, he is a beautiful horse to have around as he is always smiling.
“He doesn't know he is 11, he thinks he is three.”
Jockey Gerrad Gilmour has now ridden Juan Carlos at six starts for two wins and two minor placings.
Gilmour's other success aboard Juan Carlos came in May 2009 when the warhorse won his debut over the hurdles at Mornington.
“He is a cracking old horse,” Gilmour said.
“It has probably been a few years since I've been on him.
“I did all of his education early days, had a few unlucky runs on him and then Steven [Pateman] was fortunate enough to get the ride on him.
“Allison rang me Sunday night and asked me if I would be happy to jump back on the old boy and I said 'I would love to'.”
From 87 starts Juan Carlos has now won well in excess of $300,000 in prizemoney.
The gelding can greatly add to this tally next fortnight on August 28 when he contests the $200,000 Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Betfair Park Sandown.
Juan Carlos has twice been runner up of a Grand National, finishing second behind Desert Master (Hurdle) and Morsonique (Steeplechase) in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
Today's 3900m steeplechase event contained one fall with Darren Weir-trained Pay The Aces dislodging rider John Allen at the eighth jump.
Both horse and rider are reported to be unharmed.
*After the running of the race the Club's veterinary surgeon reported Juan Carlos had bled from its near side nostril. Trainer Ms Allison Bennett was advised a veterinary certificate of fitness and the satisfactory results of an endoscopic examination after a 1000m gallop are required prior to Juan Carlos racing again.
