Al Garhood's second Grand Annual Steeplechase victory at Warrnambool went virtually unnoticed as spectators watched in horror as a runaway horse jumped into the crowd, injuring several people.Only two of the eight runners managed to complete the 5500m course over 33 fences as horses and jockeys came down.After being brought down when Judgment Justified fell on the first lap, Banna Strand took off and jumped a fence into a group of racegoers.Four of seven people taken to hospital were discharged

Al Garhood's second Grand Annual Steeplechase victory at Warrnambool went virtually unnoticed as spectators watched in horror as a runaway horse jumped into the crowd, injuring several people.

Only two of the eight runners managed to complete the 5500m course over 33 fences as horses and jockeys came down.

After being brought down when Judgment Justified fell on the first lap, Banna Strand took off and jumped a fence into a group of racegoers.

Four of seven people taken to hospital were discharged shortly after. A two-year-old girl suffered a fractured collarbone, an 80-year-old woman was having x-rays on her shoulder and hip and a 12-year-old girl required x-rays on her foot.

Banna Strand's stablemate Petushki ($2.60 fav) was also brought down while trainer Robbie Laing's trio failed to complete the course - Vindicating (lost rider), The Member (lost rider) and Plumtastic (fell).

Plumtastic looked set to win the race when he raced past Al Garhood but dislodged his rider Paul Hamblin at the second last fence.

No horses or riders were injured.

The Ciaron Maher-trained Al Garhood stayed on his feet and gave leading jumps jockey Steven Pateman his first Grand Annual beating the Patrick Payne-trained Awaking Dream ($9.50) by 4-1/4 lengths.

"This is the race I've always wanted to win. If I never ride again I can retire satisfied," Pateman said.

"To win it on Al Garhood, he's been around forever and I've won five races on him.

"And to win it for my mate Ciaron Mahar. We go back to our apprentice days at Lindsay Park."

Pateman turned down the ride on Von Doussa-Brierley Steeple winner Vindicating to ride Al Garhood and his judgment was proven to be correct.

"I'm not sure what happened exactly (in the race) but obviously not many got home but he (Al Garhood) was in the zone today," he said.

"He was still in for the fight when Plumtastic went past him but that's what this race is all about. There are 33 fences and they all have to be jumped.

Laing said the incident should be put in context and not be used to condemn jumps racing.

"There are plenty of falls in flat races," he said.

"It's like being a spectator at the Grand Prix or at a rally.

"Cars go off the road and hit spectators.

"It's sheer bad luck really."

Laing said Al Garhood won because he was the best jumper and stayed on his feet and Maher agreed.

"He's a superb jumper and just so tough. He's not the fastest horse around but he makes his own luck," Maher said.

"He gets out and bowls along. He had a lot of weight (69kg) but Steve rode him perfectly."

Al Garhood had run sixth to Vindicating in the Von Doussa Steeple (3250m) and a well beaten fourth to Petushki in the Great Eastern Steeple (4950m), both at Oakbank.

However, he is a Warrnambool specialist winning six races at the course to be the most successful jumper in Warrnambool history.

Apart from his two Grand Annuals, he won successive Brierly Steeples (3450m) in 2008 and 2009 before running second to Some Are Bent in that race last year.

Mahar said Al Garhood would be spelled and may be brought back for a crack at a three-peat next year.