Wells wins a third Grand National Steeplechase

Darryl Sherer - Sunday August 20

Wells won a third Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) in a driving finish at Ballarat on Sunday.

Advertisement
Richard Cully and Kath Durden. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Wells, ridden by Richard Cully, was left in front when Sea King fell at the second last fence and was then challenged by Over The Yardarm, in receipt of 7.5kg.

Over The Yardarm ($3.40) looked to be going the better but Cully galvanised Wells ($4) who got home by a short-head with Bold Zamour ($18) 5-1/2 lengths away third.

The Kathryn Durden-trained 10-year-old won the race in 2014 before injury sidelined him in 2015. He returned to win in 2016 before scoring on Sunday with 71.5kg.

Wells joins Bashboy, (2012, 2013 and 2015) as the only three-time winner of the race and Cully described son of Galileo as a proper champion.

"He's got an unbelievable engine. He's unbelievably tough, unbelievably sound, it's a fantastic training job and he just keeps coming up," Cully told Racing Victoria.

Wells wore down Over The Yardarm last time out in the Crisp Steeplechase at Sandown on August 6 and Cully was aware of how tough the horse on his outside was.

"I was worried because I know how hard he was to run down at Sandown, but we did run him down, so I knew if he had to stick his head down he would," Cully said.

"That huge weight pull, that just shows what a good horse he is. When he rallied back inside the last 50 metres I thought I'd win - he's just the toughest horse I've had anything to do with.

"He hasn't been as keen as he was last year but you just know there's an engine there when you go for him."  

Five of the nine runners completed the race with equal topweight Sea King ($6.50) the only one to fall, at the second last fence.

Sea King continued and jumped the last fence on his own with jockey Brad McLean uninjured.

Advertisment
More Reading...
2026 Inglis Classic Now Online
The catalogue for the 2026 Classic Yearling Sale – the fastest growing success story of the Southern Hemisphere’s early-season auctions – is now available online.
Sires With Winners - Sunday November 16
Here is the full list of 61 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Catalogue Launched for Landmark 100th NZB National Yearling Sale
Fresh off the back of another record-breaking Ready to Run Sale, the cream of New Zealand’s yearling crop has been revealed for a landmark Karaka 2026, with a total of 1009 yearlings catalogued and now online.
NSW and Canberra Options for National Thoroughbred Week
From November 20–24, dozens of farms and stables around Australia are opening their gates to the public for National Thoroughbred Week. It’s a chance for everyday Aussies see what happens beyond race day and on the farms - and to discover the deep care, commitment, and culture that surrounds the thoroughbred.
Wells too tough in Crisp Steeplechase
Wells gave another faultless display of jumping to win Sunday’s $120,000 Crisp Steeplechase (3900m) at Sandown.
Goffs November Foal Sale Offers Insight
The Goffs November Foal Sale kicks off later tonight our time and runs from November 17 – 20 and this year will hold significant interest with the first NH bred foals being offered for high profile Kiwi shuttlers Chaldean (GB) (Frankel) and Paddington (GB) (Siyouni) as well as Darley shuttler Native Trail (GB) (Oasis Dream), who has an amazing 43 entries!
Victorians Supporting National Thoroughbred Week
From November 20–24, dozens of farms and stables around Australia are opening their gates to the public for National Thoroughbred Week. It’s a chance for everyday Aussies see what happens beyond race day and on the farms - and to discover the deep care, commitment, and culture that surrounds the thoroughbred.
Derby Dreaming for Paul Mirabelli
Cambridge trainer Paul Mirabelli is now eyeing the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) with Shoma following his pleasing placing in last Saturday’s Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton.
Famous Family Produces G1 NZ 2000 Guineas
Victory bells have been ringing for Marie Leicester and her family for decades, with Romanoff the latest to hit a Group One note.
2026 Inglis Classic Sire Break Up and Vendor Representation
The 2026 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale is now online with 798 yearlings which is pretty much on on a par with last year’s 805 and if you believe variety is the spice of life this catalogue is going to make you happy.