J.J. Houlahan Hurdle – Sat 17 May 2008

The $100,000 J.J. Houlahan Hurdle will be the first jumps race held at Flemington since the 2006 Grand National Steeplechase.

The gruelling 3200 metres has a field of 10 geldings, all aged 6 to 8 years and include two Zabeels and two Pentires. The race stands out in the form guide as all the sires are non-Australian stallions, coming from the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland and New Zealand.

The Houlahan forms part of the J.J. Houlahan Jumping Championship – a 16 race series with each race worth at least $100,000 – named in honour of great jumping race trainer Jim Houlihan.Houlihan began his thoroughbred training career in 1970 at the age of 57 and has amassed a spectacular record in training horses to win Hurdles and Steeplechases.

Topweight Some Are Bent carries 68.5 kg and is expected to perform well. He won this race last year carrying 66.5 and was last seasons top hurdler. Weeping Willow won the Galleywood Hurdle at Warnambool at his last start but rises 5kg in weight from that win. It will be a tough horse that wins this race.

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