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.
|