The Iroquois gets quite the profile boast this year, with Willie Mullins sending two runners across the Atlantic to compete, including the handy Nichols Canyon, and Ruby Walsh flying in to ride.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/211605/mullins-pair-awaits-demonstrative-in-iroquois
I thought this was a really good idea when the NSA announced it last year. Good on the connections for taking on the expense and chances of shipping over.
It will be interesting to see how they “stack up” against our horses. The leading owner here Ive Naylor has done very well buying second/third tier horses from Europe to race here. These horses seem to be of a much higher class.
In any case the connections should have a very enjoyably experience at the Iroquois meet. Great venue and they do a really good job of looking after people. Fans included.
Plus Nashville is a great town to check out.
This is a link to the entries;
http://www.nationalsteeplechase.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Iroquois-Final-Overnight.pdf
And a link to what’s going on by Sean Clancy
http://thisishorseracing.com/news/index.php/jump-racing/3587-the-iroquois-worlds-clash
To give you an idea of the depth of talent that Willie Mullins has, Nichols Canyon is a multiple G1 winner, yet he is the third, if not the fourth string Hurlder in Willie’s barn. Annie Power, Faugheen, and Arctic Fire would all probably be ranked higher. And that’s just the hurlders.
His other runner, Shaneshill, would be a horse of a lifetime for many owners, G1 placed over hurdles and chasing fences, yet he is a complete afterthought in Mullins’ barn.
It’s scary the quality of horseflesh he has.
“It’s scary the quality of horseflesh he has”
Yup and a dream for anyone that trains and or works with them.
I would pinch myself each and everyday walking around a yard like that just to make sure it wasn’t a dream.
And be more scared of waking up and finding out it was.
What a cool bonus, and great entries at a great meet.
But the notion of an English -American series is not new. In the late 80s the original Sport of Kings series was an invitational novice hurdle series, and a dozen or more English and Irish horses came over. Four U.S. horses went to England and Ireland fir the races over there.
Iroquois hosted the kickoff (it was George Slian who created it) but it was a fall meet at the course, called the Royal Chase. Princess Anne rodr an invitational flat race - she won!
George Sloan, it should say.
I live local, but have really been disappointed in years past attending “Steeplechase,” as it’s referred to around here, as a spectator. Folks just don’t appreciate racing here and despite a large turnout, the atmosphere is “off” to me.
But when I saw the entries earlier this week, I just had to get a ticket! :yes:
Are you all aware it’s going to livestream this year? We have the link on the StreamHorseTV.com website, and I’ll post it here since it’s getting close to start time.
Gumtree, as you said, Irvin Naylor certainly did well today with his “second tier” Euro purchases! Rawnaq in the Iroquois and One Lucky Lady in the fillies and mares hurdle.
Albeit unseasonably cold, it couldn’t have been a more beautiful day for racing.
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