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A dedicated duo put recent and past troubles behind them to triumph in the Grand National Hurdles at Riccarton on Wednesday.
A case of all’s well that ends well resulted in trainer Leda Beck and jockey Alan Browne celebrating the highlight of their respective careers when they combined with Gargamel for an upset victory in the Hospitality NZ-sponsored event.
Beck’s National build-up had been dealt a blow on another sporting field while Browne has struggled for opportunities over the years with farm work enabling him to continue to pursue his riding dream.
“I broke my leg in three places playing netball and I’ve been on crutches for the last month,” Beck said.
“I’m thrilled for Alan, it’s awesome, and he’s stuck with the horse and educated him all the way through.”
Browne, who originally came to New Zealand from Ireland at the invitation of jumps identity Tom Hazlett, rode his first winner in the 2004-05 season.
He now has a career tally of 11 and has been booked to partner High Forty in Saturday’s Racecourse & Hotel Motor Lodge Grand National Steeplechase by Brian and Shane Anderton.