Demonstrative Secures Second Iroquois Victory
Description:
Reigning champion steeplechaser Demonstrative took the lead at the final fence and defeated Mr. Hot Stuff by a neck May 9 in the $150,000 Calvin Houghland Iroquois Steeplechase (NSA-I) at Percy Warner Park near Nashville, Tenn.
The 2013 Iroquois winner for Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom Jr., Demonstrative beat four rivals, including Divine Fortune and Pierrot Lunaire, the respective 2013 and 2012 champion steeplechasers, in the three-mile race over 18 National fences.
The Iroquois is the first of the National Steeplechase Association's six grade I stakes.
With Irish rider Jack Doyle substituting for the injured Robbie Walsh, Demonstrative sat behind Divine Fortune for 2 3/4 miles before making a move toward the leaders.
Rounding the final turn, Doyle moved inside of Divine Fortune and jumped the final fence on even terms with the fast-closing Mr. Hot Stuff and Divine Fortune.
Demonstrative, an 8-year-old son of Elusive Quality —Loving Pride, by Quiet American, finished in 5:47 3/5 seconds on the firm turf.
Divine Fortune faded to fourth.
The win for Demonstrative was his 12th from 29 starts over the jumps for trainer Richard Valentine. The winner's check for $90,000 raised his jump earnings to $854,000.
Demonstrative was bred in Kentucky by Gainsborough Farm.