Stern Idol has made a huge impression since arriving in Australia, and the talented jumper is ready to return to steeplechase action in the Australian Steeplechase (3900m) at Sandown this Sunday.

The Irish import first raced over hurdles in France but has found his niche in Australia with nine jumping wins since joining Ciaron Maher’s stable at the end of 2021.

After two warm-up runs over hurdles this campaign, Stern Idol steps back up to his preferred distance and fences, looking to bounce back from his fourth-place finish at Warrnambool.

The gelding has already claimed back-to-back wins in the Crisp Steeplechase (4200m) but struggled to finish in the Grand National Steeplechase in both attempts under high weights.

This time he’ll carry 73kg in his first try at the Australian Steeplechase, having lined up in the Sandown Cup (3200m) on the same program last year on the flat.

National assistant trainer Jack Turnbull explained the switch back to steeples was influenced by jockey Steven Pateman, who partnered Stern Idol to a trial win last week.

“Ciaron decided it was time to return to the bigger fences, which this horse respects more. He had a good trial with Steve and is ready to go,” Turnbull said.

Pateman missed the last start due to injury, but he returns to the saddle this weekend, while the team is confident Stern Idol will be competitive despite the big weight.

“He’s got plenty of talent and he’s fit and feeling great,” Turnbull added. “We’ll just see how he comes through and reassess after this run.”

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