American Grand National

John McConnell is gearing Seddon (Ire) (Stowaway {GB}) up for a tilt at the American Grand National, a race that was plundered by another Irish challenger 12 months back when Hewick (Ire) (Virtual {GB}) stormed to a memorable victory. Seddon has been nothing short of a revelation for McConnell. Successful in the Plate at the Cheltenham festival, Seddon made it a spring to remember when following up over hurdles at the Punchestown Festival. Owned by the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate, which has been a long-term supporter of the McConnell stable...

Trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon was reduced to tears upon receiving his Eclipse Award on behalf of America's Champion Steeplechaser Hewick (Ire) (Virtual {GB}) and even labelled the evening as "the biggest night of my life." The County Kilkenny trainer sent out Hewick, a horse he famously bought for just €850, to win the American Grand National at Far Hills last October.  Hewick wins the Steeplechase Horse Eclipse Award.@NTRA pic.twitter.com/kjcPrIDDxm — John Hanlon Racing (@jhanlonracing) January 27, 2023 Hanlon made the trip over to America for the awards ceremony where he...

The Far Hills Race Meeting Association has increased the purse of the American Grand National by $100,000, giving it a bump from $150,000 to $250,000 for the 2022 edition, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 15. The increase will make the race, which will be contested for the 101st time, the richest on this year's National Steeplechase Association (NSA) schedule. "This will really put an exclamation point on steeplechasing's biggest day and the overall season," said Far Hills Race Meeting chairman Guy Torsilieri. "On Oct. 15, all eyes will be...