59 50 YEARS AGO Many people who recount Gypsy Grey’s win in the 1975 Grand Annual say that he lost 20, or even 30, lengths when turning right after jumping the Tozer Road double. The report in The Standard the day after the race was more conservative, suggesting the gelding lost at least eight lengths, while conceding that he appeared to have lost any winning chance. Russell, which would go on to win three Brierly Steeplechases (1977, 1979 & 1980), led down the hill the second time with Gypsy Grey in fourth place. Neville Rantall cut the corner back into the course proper perfectly on Russell, but his mount tired and Gypsy Grey stormed home to defeat Dark Honey by four lengths, with Russell in third place. Count Zero ridden by Darryl Horner (Jnr) clears a steeple on the way to winning the 2024 Brandt Grand Annual Steeplechase. Source: Racing Photos LAST YEAR Local trainer Symon Wilde again demonstrated his versatility, and his genius, in having Count Zero go from zero to hero - turning a seemingly disinterested 37.4 length last place in Tuesday’s Brierly Steeplechase when ridden back in the field to a narrow win in our premier race after he raced close to the lead throughout. It was Wilde’s third Grand Annual win to go with a trio of Brierlys and two wins in our Cup and the Wangoom Handicap. The win was also a triumph for rider Darryl Horner, who returned to race riding after pursuing a carpentry apprenticeship in 2023. Mark McNamara: April 2025
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