Elliott enjoys ‘magical day’ with Far Hills five-timer

Gordon Elliott enjoyed a Saturday to remember in New Jersey as Zanahiyr landed the American Grand National as part of a five-timer for the trainer at Far Hills.

Having won a chase at Galway and a Flat race at Bellewstown this summer, Zanahiyr made the trip across the Atlantic with major claims in the Grade One feature.

The eight-year-old was not entirely convincing in the jumping department, but stuck to his guns to keep himself in the fight.

He dug deep on the run-in chase down the Gavin Cromwell-trained Ballysax Hank and got up in the dying strides to claim a narrow but thrilling victory in the hands of Jack Kennedy.

Elliott and Kennedy successfully combined with four winners overall, with Chortal, We’re Back Again and Emily Love all striking gold, while Danny Gilligan steered Coutach to a runaway success in the Foxbrook Champion Hurdle Stakes.

In a post on X, Elliott said: “A truly magical day at Far Hills for the Team with a five-timer, including the American Grand National

“Thank you to our owners for their support and congratulations to all of them on their wins.

“A big well done to the entire team, both Stateside and back home – a day to remember!”