Ginolad completes historic double

The Aaron Purcell-trained Ginolad has won an action packed Grand National Steeple at Flemington on Saturday.

Unbeaten chasers Toulouse Lautrec and Geeorb were expected to dominate the race, but they were upstaged by Ginolad, who became the first horse this century to complete the Grand Annual - Grand National double.

Geeorb bounced straight to the lead, with Toulouse Lautrec tracking the seven-year-old gelding in second place.

However, the race turned pear shaped when Toulouse Lautrec fell in front of the stands the first time round, leaving Geeorb 15 lengths in front on his own.

Coming to the home turn, it was clear that Geeorb was struggling and Ginolad produced a superb staying performance to power away from his rivals and claim the victory.

Fran Houlahan-trained chaser Jamraan ran on stoutly for second, roughie Father Patrick finished third, while Geeorb faded badly and finished out of the placings.

In the VRC Winter Championship, $2.90 favourite Sea Battle was too strong for the field, storming home to win.

Rockpecker came through the inside and looked set to claim the win, but Sea Battle showed why it was favourite, reeling Rockpecker in to win by a neck.

Magnetic produced a strong late charge to finish third, just ahead of Scenic Silver.