Lee Horner makes it back-to-back Grand Nationals with win on Inayforhay

Following a lengthy delay to the start of the Grand National Steeple at Ballarat on Sunday jockey Lee Horner has landed his second successive win in the big race.

Inayforhay and Lee Horner in action during the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat. Picture: Brett Holburt–Racing Photos via Getty Images

Jumps jockey Lee Horner made it back-to-back Grand National Steeplechase wins on Sunday at Ballarat.

After riding Bee Tee Junior to victory last year, Horner combined with Paul Preusker-trained Inayforhay to upset favourite Social Element.

However, the win was “bittersweet” as Horner‘s success came at the expense of wife and trainer Amy McDonald, who prepared Flying Agent in the 4500m feature.

Flying Agent, ridden by Horner’s brother Darryl, was bolting deep into the second lap before Inayforhay loomed up ominously.

Horner quickly put Flying Agent to the sword and bounded clear for an emphatic eight-length victory.

Social Element ran into second, while Riding High and Accounted For rounded out the top four.

“100 per-cent, it’s unreal. Bittersweet,“ Horner said.

“He (Inayforhay) came up at the 800 (metre mark) and I had my wife’s horse there (Flying Agent).

“I had him covered but it’s a bit hard, you feel for him.”

Horner had ridden Flying Agent the past three starts but jumped at the chance to combine with Inayforhay again.

“I have to thank Paul, when I got injured he had to replace me and I had to fight to get back on,” Horner said.

“I was always going to ride Inayforhay today over my wife’s horse … Paul had shown the loyalty to me to put me back on.”

The Chase was delayed about 15 minutes due to an injury in the previous race and a decision to dismantle the last two jumps in the straight because of a safety issue around sun glare.

“Anyone that knows jumping, when the sun is blinding a jump and the shadow is four feet,” Horner said.

“You’ve got horses trying to take off there, they can’t all get over them and that’s when mistakes are made.”

Meanwhile, Saunter Boy won the feature JJ Houlahan Hurdle earlier on the card.

Originally published as Lee Horner makes it back-to-back Grand Nationals with win on Inayforhay