Demonstrative took a big step toward the 2014 Eclipse Award as the nation's outstanding steeplechase horse when he easily captured the $250,000 Grand National Oct. 18 at Far Hills, N.J., for his third straight grade I win.
The 7-year-old son of Elusive Quality tallied by 7 3/4 lengths over 2013 Eclipse Award winner Divine Fortune in the 2 5/8-mile hurdle stakes over National Fences. The Grand National has decided the past three Eclipse winners.
Owned by Jacqueline Ohrstrom, Demonstrative was ridden to victory by Robert Walsh for trainer Richard Valentine. The bay gelding was bred in Kentucky by Gainsborough Farm out of the Quiet American mare Loving Pride.
Demonstrative was coming off victories in the grade I New York Turf Writers Cup at Saratoga Race Course in August and the Lonesome Glory Handicap at Belmont Park Sept. 18. Prior to that, he was defeated by a nose in Saratoga’s A. P. Smithwick Memorial, also a grade I race.
Demonstrative, who was third in last year's Grand National behind Divine Fortune over moist ground he did not favor, was timed in 5:19 in this year's event over a good course. He earned $150,000 for the victory, boosting his career earnings to $825,074.
Parker's Project finished third in the field of seven.
Demonstrative and Robert Walsh take the Grand National at Far Hills.
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