FAR HILLS, N.J. -- McDynamo won his fourth straight $250,000
Breeders' Cup Grand National Steeplechase on Saturday in a
laughably easy 22-length romp.
McDynamo, with Jody Petty aboard, took command on the final run
down the backstretch and quickly opened a five-length lead.
"McDynamo just opened up his stride and went to the front,"
Petty said. "On the final turn, I figured they were close to me.
When I looked, we were so far in front, I had to look again. He
gets there so easily it amazes you."
The 9-year-old clearly relished the rain-softened course.
"He does things so easily, it's weird," trainer Sanna Hendriks
said. "He doesn't look like he's working hard at all, and other
horses struggle, especially in going like this. I guess that's what
greatness is it's horses who can put it all together that become
this good. They have the right mind, the right body, the right
everything. "
The victory in the richest race in steeplechasing likely
clinched a third Eclipse Award as champion jumper. McDynamo won the
title in 2003 and 2005 largely because of his amazing success at
the one-day Far Hills meet. He is unbeaten there, having won in
each of the last six years. McDynamo broke his maiden over hurdles
in 2001 and took a minor stakes in 2002 before reeling off the four
consecutive Breeders' Cups.
He ran the 2 5-8 miles over 14 fences in 5:58.20. Chivite was
second followed by Mixed Up, the pacesetting Mauritania, and
Kilbeggan Lad. Hirapour, 2004 Eclipse winner, was scratched because
of the soft course.
There is no wagering at Far Hills.
For Petty, the race grew easier as it went along. Mauritania set
a mild early pace, but wilted when the champion applied pressure on
the backstretch. Quickly in front, McDynamo powered over the three
fences on the backstretch and drew clear of long-shot Chivite on
the final turn. From there, it was a coronation as Petty patted the
horse neck and ears through the stretch.