Tough-as-nails jumper, Brungle Bertie, ended the jumping season as he began it when he registered another win over the obstacles at Ballarat on Sunday. The seven-year-old son of Canford Cliffs settled second in the 3400-metre event behind race-favourite, Roland Garros, before jockey Lee Horner piled on the pressure at the 1600-metre mark. Horner asserted his gelding on the contest and the superior stayer responded, levelling up and breaking the resilience of the well-credentialled Maher/Eustace jumper who could offer no response and was eventually retired from the race. Meanwhile, the Henry Dwyer-trained gelding bolted away to a race-winning lead with two to jump and, despite finally feeling the pinch late, held strong to the line to win by over two lengths. It was a deserved win to cap off a long preparation for the talented jumper, and trainer Dwyer has this bloke’s future penned in ink. “The Grand National will be his race next year”, the Ballarat horseman said. “We’ll give him a big, long spell now. He’s earnt it”.
Bertie will head to the paddock now for four months before resuming work early next year.