Irish Hang on to Take Jumps Series

Saturday, 17 August 2002 00:00

A race morning scratching has cost the Australian jumping team victory in their series against Ireland with the final race being run at Moonee Valley today.

As the race turned out Australia grabbed the first two placings and 18 points, but with Ireland grabbing the final two lots of points by default they hung on for a two point win.

When Jim Houlahan scratched his five-year-old gelding Falknis the Australian team lost the ability to use the points from the winner of the Waterford Crystal Steeplechase (a3200m), Jon Ledecky.

Australia's only other runner was pulled up, therefore Ireland grabbed six points for third and fourth to score a thrilling win.

Despite the three Irish runners finishing in the last three places they got the 4 and 2 points on offer respectively for being the third and fourth placed runners in the series.

Ireland leads the overall record of the series 12 to 11. The series was drawn on one occasion.

PIC - Quentin Lang.