Mick & David Easterby: Racing Syndicates and Racehorse Ownership






Merano (FR)

Merano (FR)



SireIris Noir
DamFanette II
DOB 1983
Sex gelding
Colour bay
Owner Victor Chandler
Breeder Noel Pelat
Form [F]
5354/
Form [J]
36F1/ 475341/ 11/ 132/ F

Merano came to the yard from Henry Cecil. Charles St George owned Merano and he had won a minor race but was otherwise of little account. Charles was a well-known owner, the most famous horse to run in his colours was of course the great Ardross who conquered all in the top-class staying division between 1980 and 1982.

Charles St George was a keen flat racing man but Henry had told him that there wasn't a flat race long enough to get the most out of Merano. Charles then had the idea to run Merano over hurdles and Henry recommended that he send the horse to me. Merano wanted about eight miles but we'd have to settle for three and shortly after joining my yard he won races at Market Rasen and Aintree, but Charles didn't want to send him over fences.

The horse was thus sold to Victor Chandler and reeled off a hat-trick in his first three runs for his new owner. However, Charles's reluctance for Merano to jump fences was eventually borne out as, carrying the colours of Victor Chandler, he was killed in a horrific fall at the 13th fence in the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences in 1993.



Date Race

19Dec92 Grouse Handicap Chase
Newcastle
G McCourt

2m 7½f

26Dec91 Boroughbridge Novices' Chase
Wetherby
Lorcan Wyer

3m ½f

27Nov91 Riding Mill Novices' Chase
Hexham
G McCourt

2m 4f

04Apr91 Oddbins Hurdle Handicap
Aintree
G McCourt

3m 1f

03Mar90 Victor Lucas Memorial Long Distance Novices' Hurdle
Market Rasen
Steve Smith-Eccles

2m 7f