Tallyho Twinkletoe (NZ) Makes History

26 August 2019

Tallyho Twinkletoe (NZ) claiming the Grand National Steeplechase. Picture: Racing Photos
Tallyho Twinkletoe (NZ) claiming the Grand National Steeplechase. Picture: Racing Photos

Tallyho Twinkletoe (NZ) (St Reims), a two-time graduate of New Zealand Bloodstock Sales, made history with a spectacular performance in Sunday’s A$350,000 Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Ballarat.

He became the first horse since 1930 to win Australia’s Grand National Hurdle (4200m) and Steeplechase in the same season.

Tallyho Twinkletoe cost only $2,000 at the 2012 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale, then was bought by Jo Rathbone for $9,000 at the South Island Sale a few months later.

Raced by Rathbone in partnership with Simon Harrison and Dave MacNab, Tallyho Twinkletoe has now won 11 of his 21 starts and A$482,434 (NZ$508,806).

He produced a spectacular performance on Sunday, romping clear of his 11 rivals to win by nine lengths. He was ridden by Aaron Kuru for trainer Patrick Payne.

“I used to love Sea King (NZ) (Shinko King), but this horse is the best horse,” Payne said. "He can take the race by the scruff of the neck.

"It's silly to say, but from the mile he had them covered and took over 1000 (metres) out, and not many horses can maintain a gallop like that.

"For a steeplechaser to win the Grand National Hurdle last time and come out and do it again today, that shows his class."

Payne deflected the credit on to Rathbone, along with Tallyho Twinkletoes’ Kiwi trainer Kevin Myers.

"All the work was done before he came to my place," Payne said. "The smartest thing I could do was not change anything, keep him the same weight and just produce him the same.”

Vendor National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale: Ardsley Stud Ltd South Island Sale: Yaldhurst Lodge
Purchaser National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale: Mr PJ Rudkin (Christchurch) South Island Sale: Miss JL Rathbone (Bulls)
Breeding St Reims – Albacora
Sale Lot 378, 2012 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale, $2,000 Lot 4, 2012 South Island Sale, $9,000
Bred by J N Wallace