Aussies Claw Back Ground in Jumps Series
- Sunday, 11 August 2002 00:00
In a rather fitting result Craig Durden (Calcavecchia) and Brett Scott (Bold Impulse) finished first and second. Those two riders dominated the Melbourne city riding premiership during the season just completed.
Ireland won both jumping races in Adelaide yesterday and the international team racked up a huge points tally.
After today's race the Aussies have narrowed the gap to 18 points, the equivalent of a first and second placing.
There are still plenty of more opportunities for points for both teams. The series heads to Warranmbool tomorrow for two races, before one at Sandown on Wednesday and the Steeple at Moonee Valley on Saturday is the series ender.
Calcavecchia continued a great run in recent jumps races for Robert Smerdon.
Smerdon, who was at the Warracknabeal races today, leaves next week to train his jumping star Zabenz in America.
Smerdon's stable foreman Pat Cannon said the runaway Grand National Hurdle winner had blossomed since arriving just over a week ago.
"He's arrived in great shape by all reports," Cannon said. "Robert will be heading over next week."
