Jump race maestros John Wheeler and Brett Scott teamed up to win another Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool today when outstanding 'chaser Real Tonic out stayed Busby Glenn in an outstanding two horse war.

Real Tonic and Brett Scott and Busby Glenn and Bill Williams were never more than a length apart throughout the grueling 5.5 kilometre contest, and over the last 1000 metres they went stride for stride in one of the greatest ever Grand Annuals.

The two jumped the last five fences locked together and the run down the home straight proved the decider with the more seasoned stayer Real Tonic letting his toughness tell the story. He was able to pull out enough over the concluding stages to edge past Busby Glenn with about 150 metres to run.

Outsider Jungle George ran the race of his life to finish third - albeit a distant third.

The Grand Annual win was the second feature jumps race win for Real Tonic following his runaway win in the recent Great Eastern Steeplechase at Oakbank in South Australia.

"From the bottom of the hill I was confident he could win it in a two horse war," a delighted John Wheeler said.

"He's had a few problems in the past, but he's always looked like a good horse and he's done it today."

The win was the fourth in ten years for champion cross country jockey Brett Scott - a stable foreman in Victoria for trainer John Wheeler.

"It (the excitement) gets better every time I win it," Scott said. "It's a great race and in the jumps riders eyes it is the Melbourne Cup."

Scott said he felt he was on the right horse when the race came down to a good old fashions "dog fight."

"I wanted to make it a grind and that's what it turned out to be," Scott added. "We were just too fit and seasoned at the finish."

Scott heaped praise on the effort of Busby Glenn who was having his first Grand Annual start.

"The other horse was very good and plenty of credit should be given to him," Scott commented. "But in the end I guess plenty of credit goes to my horse as he finished too strong."

Real Tonic is now a runaway leader in the JJ (Jim) Houlahan Jumping Championship - having won the only two legs of the championship.

Only one rider parted company with his rider - Steven Pateman from Landside at the 25th obstacle in the 33 fence marathon.

PICS - Jenny Barnes.

© Cyberhorse 2006 Greg Irvine Published 04/05/06

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