Banna Strand wins Grand Annual, two years after jumping into the crowd

What a difference two years can make.

On May 5, 2011, the horse Banna Strand made worldwide headlines when he lost his rider and jumped into the crowd during the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool, injuring seven spectators.

Today, the gelding won the 2013 edition of Australia's most iconic steeplechase.

The 2011 Grand Annual was a dark day for jumps racing in Australia, with only two of the eight horses finishing the grueling 5500m course.

This year's event was far less eventful, with only two of the seven horses failing to complete the race.

The horse End of Time fell, while Cash Advance unseated his jockey after jumping a fence, but neither horse was injured.

The win was the fifth Grand Annual for Kiwi trainer John Wheeler.

Wheeler said the fallout from the 2011 race showed the spirit of the racing community.

"I rang all of the seven injured people. They had been contacted by lawyers wanting to represent them for free, but they would have none of it.

"It just shows real racing people are fair dinkum. They said it was an accident and part of the sport."

Jockey Gavin Bedggood said the win was extra special because of the circumstances.

"It is fitting this horse gets his name up on the winner's list after the incident two years ago. He is a great jumper and he has given me and John and everyone who loves racing a great thrill."
It was just Banna Strand's third win from 66 starts.

Banna Strand has had an eventful time of things in the past two years.

He missed the 2012 Grand Annual after he had half his hoof ripped off when he had five other horses were let out of their paddock and chased along a road.