Smug chasing redemption at Trentham

Talented steeplechaser Smug (NZ) (Complacent) will be out for redemption at Trentham on Thursday when he contests the 139th running of the Grant Plumbing Wellington Steeplechase (4900m).  

The Chris Wood-trained gelding emerged on the scene when first past the post in the maiden steeplechase at this meeting last year, but he was later disqualified for taking the wrong route to the course proper.  

While that was a disappointing result, Wood pressed on to open company in the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m) at Woodville, which he won triumphantly over the great West Coast. 

Smug looked right up to that form in his first serious test this year, pushing two elite jumpers in Nedwin and Leaderboard right to the wire when third in the Waikato Steeplechase (3900m). 

“He went a super race, he jumped well, did everything right and ran home well against two pretty handy horses,” Wood said. “He’s come through the race really well, he’s a happy horse. 

“I don’t think the distance will be a worry at Trentham, he’s one of those horses with plenty of stamina and just keeps going.  

“We just need to have a little bit of luck in the running.” 

Wood has had success in the time-honoured event as a trainer and a rider, having won in 1984 aboard Mr Hickey, trained by Mike Claydon, and the following year aboard his own horse in Long Acre. 

“I won it a couple of times as a rider many years ago and the stable trained Foxhunt to win a few years after that, so we’ve had a good run in the race,” he said. “Long may it continue. 

“I haven’t had a runner in it for a while, so we’ll see what we come up with tomorrow.”  

Following Thursday’s $100,000 contest, Wood is planning a defence of Smug’s Hawkes Bay crown on July 12.  

“He beat West Coast at Woodville in the Hawke’s Bay Steeples last year, so we’ll be down there for that race again,” he said.  

“I’m not sure he’s a Grand National horse but I’ll discuss that with the owners after getting through tomorrow.”