Mick & David Easterby: Racing Syndicates and Racehorse Ownership






Merano (FR)
Merano (FR)


SireIris Noir
DamFanette II
DOB 1983
Sex gelding
Colour bay
Country FR
Owner
Victor Chandler
Breeder
Noel Pelat
Form [F]
5354/
Form [J]
36F1/ 475341/ 11/ 132/ F


Merano came to the yard from Henry Cecil. Charles St George owned Merano and he had won a minor race but was otherwise of little account. Charles was a well-known owner, the most famous horse to run in his colours was of course the great Ardross who conquered all in the top-class staying division between 1980 and 1982.

Charles St George was a keen flat racing man but Henry had told him that there wasn't a flat race long enough to get the most out of Merano. Charles then had the idea to run Merano over hurdles and Henry recommended that he send the horse to me. Merano wanted about eight miles but we'd have to settle for three and shortly after joining my yard he won races at Market Rasen and Aintree, but Charles didn't want to send him over fences.

The horse was thus sold to Victor Chandler and reeled off a hat-trick in his first three runs for his new owner. However, Charles's reluctance for Merano to jump fences was eventually borne out as, carrying the colours of Victor Chandler, he was killed in a horrific fall at the 13th fence in the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences in 1993.



Date Race

19Dec92

Grouse Handicap Chase
Newcastle

Jockey: G McCourt

Owner: Victor Chandler

Trainer: Michael Easterby

26Dec91

Boroughbridge Novices' Chase
Wetherby

Jockey: Lorcan Wyer

Owner: Victor Chandler

Trainer: Michael Easterby

27Nov91

Riding Mill Novices' Chase
Hexham

Jockey: G McCourt

Owner: Victor Chandler

Trainer: Michael Easterby

04Apr91

Oddbins Hurdle Handicap
Aintree

Jockey: G McCourt

Owner: Victor Chandler

Trainer: Michael Easterby

03Mar90

Victor Lucas Memorial Long Distance Novices' Hurdle
Market Rasen

Jockey: Steve Smith-Eccles

Owner: Victor Chandler

Trainer: Michael Easterby