Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy are back in America chasing another major prize with quality performer Zanahiyr. The Bective Stud-owned horse pipped fellow Irish raider Ballysax Hank to the American Grand National title at Far Hills, New Jersey in October, the highlight of a remarkable five-timer for his trainer and jockey.
Zanahiyr's Return to the US
Zanahiyr has only raced once since, warming up for today's Grade One Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes at Percy Warner Park, near Nashville in Tennessee, with a run in a 1m6f handicap at Gowran Park in April. Paddy Power have priced him up as the 7-4 favourite to gain win number 11, in a career which has taken his team to the Cheltenham Festival on five occasions.
Past Controversies and Achievements
Zanahiyr was disqualified from third place in the 2022 Champion Hurdle after the horse tested positive for a “mystery” banned substance and Elliott was fined £1,000. The chestnut gelding finished in the same position a year later when Constitution Hill bolted up by nine lengths, in one of the most impressive performances in modern times.
Race Details and Rivals
Zanahiyr steps up to three miles going for the £111,110 first prize, facing his former stablemate Fil Dor (12-1), the Colonial Cup for trainer Richard Hendriks and the mount of Jake Coen, who rides for Elliott in Ireland. Another familiar name is James Du Berlais (5-2), a former Willie Mullins trainee, partnered by his nephew Danny Mullins having transferred to the stable of Leslie Young.
Other Runners for Elliott
Elliott's other two runners are Blue Waters in the Grade Two Margaret Currey Henley Hurdle and Famous Figure in the Louis Brown McMillan Memorial Maiden Hurdle, two horses expected to continue their careers in the States.
