RETURNED to Ellersliee following a two-year absence (due to track reconstruction), New Zealand’s most famous jumps race, the 6,400 metre Great Northern Steeple, that tackles the famous Ellerslie hill three times, saw 10 starters take on the heavy conditions.

Contrary to his normal pattern of racing Wise Men Say, the 2017 winner, was sent forward by Shaun Fannin where he remained, recording an all-the-way win in 8m 48secs.