This season’s breakout steeplechaser JESKO put the ultimate exclamation mark on a phenomenal jumping campaign when outstaying his rivals in the inaugural Ben and Ryan Foote Great New Zealand Steeplechase (6200m) at Te Aroha on Sunday.
For The FRAC Club, it was a moment in time. Just nine months since launching New Zealand’s first fractional racehorse ownership platform, FRAC owners were on course in big numbers to witness history being made. In a year when New Zealand jumps racing has been reinvigorated with a much-needed prizemoney boost and a renewed sense of energy, JESKO has been the horse to carry that momentum forward. The Honour Bound Room was a sea of gold, buzzing with anticipation as the day built towards the new feature on the jumps calendar. Owners, families, and friends travelled from all over to be there — the true FRAC Family — and when the barriers finally flew open, the vibe was electric.
JESKO’s Journey Through the Season
JESKO began the season as a maiden over the bigger fences, but under the expert guidance of Shaun and Hazel Fannin, he quickly rose through the ranks. Wins in the Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m), Wellington Steeplechase (4900m) and Koral Steeplechase (4250m) announced his arrival as a serious contender, before a gallant second in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) in early August set the stage for one final statement.
Lining up at Te Aroha, JESKO carried the weight of expectation — and delivered with grit, stamina, and trademark heart. Fannin kept him in striking range throughout, and when rivals faltered, JESKO surged clear, navigating the final two fences with precision before powering to the line to claim victory by nearly five lengths. The crowd roared, FRAC owners raised the roof, and history was made.
A Historic First
For Shaun Fannin, already a six-time Great Northern winner, this was something different. “To win the first Great New Zealand Steeplechase with so many FRAC owners on course — it’s gone to another level this season,” he said. Hazel echoed the pride: “It’s exciting to have a horse as good as him in the stable, and seeing him celebrated by so many people makes it even more special.”
JESKO’s record now stands at a glittering 6 steeplechase starts for 5 wins and a brave 2nd, a testament to both his toughness and class. Purchased in late 2021 by Fannin after being labelled too difficult to contain he has earned prize money well in excess of 100 times his purchase price — a true FRAC fairy tale.
FRAC Club Pride
For the FRAC Club, the day was about more than just the win. It was about bringing people together, celebrating the thrill of ownership, and showing what fractional ownership can achieve. Owners on course experienced the pinnacle of jumps racing with hospitality, laughter, and the sheer excitement of being part of history. Those watching from afar shared the joy through FRAC’s updates and social buzz.
This was not just JESKO’s victory — it was a victory for The FRAC Club. A community of passionate owners who now have a piece of history to treasure forever.
