The upcoming Ben and Ryan Foote Great New Zealand Steeplechase (6200m) at Te Aroha on Sunday promises to be one of the highlights of the New Zealand jumps racing calendar. Among the leading contenders are two horses from the same stable, Jesko and Fourty Eight, trained by Shaun and Hazel Fannin. For the first time, the pair will clash over fences, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.

Jesko has established himself as one of the standout jumpers in New Zealand this season. The son of Atlante has already put together an impressive resume, capturing victories in the Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m), Wellington Steeplechase (4900m), and Koral Steeplechase (4250m). His consistency and stamina were further displayed in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m), where he finished a gallant second to Captains Run.

Regular rider and trainer Shaun Fannin reflected on that effort, praising Jesko’s resilience in testing Riccarton conditions.

“He was very brave, he got taken on a little bit in the run and probably did too much, which told in the finish in that really tough going,” Fannin said. “In saying that, he never chucked it away and Captains Run was an impressive winner, so I take nothing away from that horse.”

Following the Grand National, Jesko returned to his Awapuni base for a quieter fortnight before gearing up for another big challenge. His preparation included a race in heavy conditions at New Plymouth last weekend, where he finished seventh in the Road To The Jericho (3210m). Despite the result, Fannin is confident his star jumper remains on track for Sunday.

“He had 10 days off before building towards this race, he jumped out last Tuesday at Foxton then we took him to New Plymouth, which turned out to be an extremely heavy track,” he said. “It was probably a harder run than we wanted to give him, but he’s pretty tough and it didn’t knock him too much, he’s come through that run well.

“He’s as good as we’re going to get him and we’re hopeful that he’s in good enough form to be a really good chance on Sunday, he’s had a super season.”

The bookmakers clearly share Fannin’s optimism, installing Jesko as the $5 favourite for the $200,000 feature. But the stable’s other representative, Fourty Eight, is not far behind in the betting markets, currently rated a $6 chance.

Fourty Eight, a seven-year-old by Ekraar, has been steadily improving throughout his campaign. His most notable performance came in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4300m), where he finished third behind Nedwin despite an unusual challenge during the race. Fannin, who was aboard, explained how a riderless horse affected the contest.

“That undid him really, he can be quite temperamental sometimes and that fired him up a bit, he pulled quite hard,” Fannin said. “He was just chasing that horse and every time he got a breather it seemed to come back again.

“He stuck on well, and maybe if that hadn’t have happened, I think he could’ve finished a bit closer.”

Like Jesko, Fourty Eight also contested the Road To The Jericho qualifier but faded in the final stages. Despite that effort, Fannin confirmed the gelding had recovered well and continues to please in his work.

“We took him to New Plymouth to give him a bit of a hit out before Sunday, but he didn’t really do anything there, whether it was just the track I’m not sure,” he said. “We got him scoped and checked over by the vet on Monday and he’s all clear, he had a bit of a school on Thursday morning and worked up as good as ever so I can’t really fault him.

“If he sees the trip out, he should be a good chance as well.”

Adding another layer of intrigue to the race is the rider situation. Fannin, who recently claimed his fifth Jumps Jockey of the Year title at the Horse of the Year Awards, will continue his partnership with Jesko. For Fourty Eight, the reins will be handed to Fannin’s close friend, Mathew Gillies.

“Matt’s a super rider and we’ve been good friends for a long time as well,” Fannin said. “He actually schooled this horse last year when he was down for a weekend, so he’s ridden him before.

“He’s quite a strong rider as well, so if he did get up and pulling, I’m sure Matt will be able to rein him in quite quickly. I think they’ll be a good pairing.”

The Great New Zealand Steeplechase has long been regarded as one of the pinnacles of the local jumping scene, testing stamina, jumping ability, and mental toughness over a gruelling distance. This year’s renewal shapes as one of the most competitive in recent memory, with a strong field of rivals adding depth to the contest. Yet the focus will inevitably fall on the fascinating clash between the two stablemates, Jesko and Fourty Eight, both carrying the hopes of the Fannin partnership.

For Shaun and Hazel Fannin, Sunday’s race represents more than just another entry on the racing calendar. It is an opportunity to underline the strength of their stable while showcasing the talent of two very different but equally capable jumpers. Whether Jesko extends his remarkable season or Fourty Eight steps up to steal the spotlight, Te Aroha will provide the perfect stage for a memorable showdown.