Cromwell takes aim at American Grand National

Fresh from taking Czechia's big race on Sunday, Gavin Cromwell flew out to the United States on Wednesday morning, with Paul Byrne's Ballysax Hank bidding to provide the trainer with another big win on the global jumps stage.Stumptown having landed the Velka Pardubicka 24 hours earlier, Cromwell had another winner at Punchestown on Monday in the shape of promising juvenile hurdler Secret Force. The Far Hills race, which has become popular with Irish connections, is a new departure for the County Meath handler.Having won a bumper for Brendan Duke, Byrne bought the son of Eliot last winter and, after a bad start for Cromwell (the horse pulled-up at odds-on at Fairyhouse before unseating at Naas), his year has taken off.A bloodless victory in the lucrative Summer Plate at Market Rasen and an impressive Gowran win on the Flat at the expense of the smart Seo Linn mean that Ballysax Hank heads to Far Hills very much on the up.

A trio of Irish-trained runners are heading Stateside for the race. Gordon Elliott seeks a second victory in the contest with Zanahiyr and €620,000 gelding Fil Dor. Last year’s home hero Snap Decision is bidding to become the first horse since five-time winner McDynamo to successfully defend the crown.Cromwell told Racing TV: "Ballysax Hank will be suited by the good ground and race conditions. He has a bit to find on ratings with Gordon's pair but he's a young, progressive horse."I think the race will suit. He travelled across well, we're happy with him and hopefully he has a good chance."For Byrne, whose late father Davy inculcated in him a love of betting and horses, the trip will be a special occasion for the family, regardless of the outcome.He said: "There are 29 of us going over – a full family entourage! You have to enjoy these races."I did not buy the horse with this race in mind but I’d always like trying to target the highest prize-money races on offer. The aim of ownership for me is enjoyment while trying to lose as little money as possible."Eight runners will contest the race, which has a purse of $250,000 (£187,280) and is due off at 8.50pm GMT. Byrne has another chance at Far Hills with the Elliott-trained Coutach, who contests the American Champion Hurdle at 8.04pm.