The Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat was billed as a showdown of champions, but it turned into a showcase for trainer Mark Walker.
The Kiwi horseman, better known in Australia for star sprinter Imperatriz, claimed the trifecta in the $400,000 feature with Leaderboard storming home 25 lengths clear of The Mighty Spar, who edged Prismatic for second.
Leaderboard, ridden by Will Gordon, capitalised when $1.75 favourite Noonday Gun fell at the last after rallying strongly in the straight. Both horse and jockey Tom Ryan escaped unscathed.
“It was just great to see all three horses come back safe,” Walker said, praising the team behind the stable’s jumpers.
Stern Idol, held back by Steven Pateman before making his run, faded to finish fourth.
For Gordon, the dominant win delivered a long-awaited maiden Grand National success.
“I can’t really believe it. I went out there with no pressure… he’s just a legend,” he said.
Leaderboard, an 11-year-old who once won the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m), has now banked more than $861,000 in prizemoney.