Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy are back in the United States, aiming for another major victory with Zanahiyr in the Grade One Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes at Percy Warner Park near Nashville, Tennessee. The Bective Stud-owned horse previously won the American Grand National at Far Hills, New Jersey, in October, part of a remarkable five-timer for the trainer-jockey duo.
Zanahiyr has raced only once since that victory, warming up for today's contest with a run in a 1m6f handicap at Gowran Park in April. Paddy Power has installed him as the 7-4 favourite to secure his 11th career win, having competed at the Cheltenham Festival on five occasions.
The chestnut gelding was disqualified from third place in the 2022 Champion Hurdle after testing positive for a banned substance, resulting in a £1,000 fine for Elliott. He finished third again in 2023, when Constitution Hill won by nine lengths in a standout performance.
Zanahiyr steps up to three miles for the £111,110 first prize, facing former stablemate Fil Dor (12-1), who won the Colonial Cup for trainer Richard Hendriks and is ridden by Jake Coen. Another familiar name is James Du Berlais (5-2), a former Willie Mullins trainee now with Leslie Young, partnered by Danny Mullins.
Elliott also runs Blue Waters in the Grade Two Margaret Currey Henley Hurdle and Famous Figure in the Louis Brown McMillan Memorial Maiden Hurdle, both expected to continue their careers in the US.
