Demonstative captures Grand National steeplechase

Demonstrative solidified his status as the leading candidate for an Eclipse Award as champion steeplechase horse by winning the nation’s richest race for jumpers Saturday, the Grade 1, $250,000 Grand National at Far Hills, N.J.

The 7-year-old Demonstrative, who won the Grade 1 Lonesome Glory at Belmont Park and the New York Turf Writers at Saratoga in his previous two starts after missing by a nose in the Grade 1 A.P. Smithwick at Saratoga in late July, finished 3 ¾ lengths ahead of last year’s Grand National winner and Eclipse Award champion Divine Fortune. The winning time for 2 5/8 miles over “good” turf was 5:19.

Demonstrative was ridden by Robbie Walsh for trainer Richard Valentine.

The 11-year-old Divine Fortune, third-place Parker’s Project, and fourth-place Barnstorming are all trained by Hall of Famer Jonathan Sheppard.