Buzz is already constructing for the 2024 Far Hills Race Assembly Oct. 19. A terrific card has been finalized anchored by the $250,000 American Grand Nationwide and that includes an thrilling new race as Far Hills will honor Corridor of Famer McDynamo with a sweepstakes named in his honor.
Far Hills, N.J., will host a seven-race, all-stakes card price $700,000 for the Far Hills Race Assembly, the crown jewel of American steeplechasing. The day’s marquee occasion is, in fact, the American Grand Nationwide at 2 5/8 miles on the Moorland Farm course. Far Hills is also introducing the McDynamo Maiden Sweepstakes, a 2 1/8-mile race named in honor of the legendary “King of Far Hills,” three-time champion steeplechaser McDynamo, and boosted the purse for the Peapack Hurdle by $25,000 to $100,000 for 2024.
Particulars of the seven-race card of races under:
- $50,000 Harry E. Harris Stakes, a 2 1/8-mile race over hurdles for 4-year-olds;
- $100,000 Foxbrook Champion Hurdle Stakes, a 2 1/2-mile race over hurdles restricted to 4-year-olds and upward who haven’t received over hurdles previous to Sept. 1, 2023, or have by no means received three races, aside from 3-year-old;
- $100,000 Peapack Hurdle Stakes, a 2 1/8-mile race over hurdles for fillies and mares 4 years outdated and upward;
- $50,000 Appleton Hurdle Stakes, a 2 5/8-mile race over hurdles for 4-year-olds and upward;
- $250,000 American Grand Nationwide, a 2 5/8-mile race over hurdles for 4-year-olds and upward;
- $50,000 McDynamo Maiden Sweepstakes, a 2 1/8-mile race over hurdles for maidens 4 years outdated and upward with a “sweepstakes ante” of $1,000 per horse to be added to the $50,000 assured purse and a further $1,000 matched per horse by the Moran household; and
- $100,000 John Forbes Memorial Stakes, a two-mile flat race for 4-year-olds and upward.
McDynamo received a outstanding seven instances at Far Hills, together with 5 consecutive editions of the Grand Nationwide—often called the Breeders’ Cup Steeplechase throughout his reign—from 2003 by means of 2007 for proprietor Michael Moran. A real legend of the turf, McDynamo received 11 grade 1 races and retired because the all-time main North American steeplechase earner. He was inducted into the Racing Corridor of Fame in 2013.
McDynamo successful 2007 American Grand Nationwide. (Courtesy of Far Hills)
“Now we have been which means to honor McDynamo in some particular approach and this appeared like the suitable time, with a inventive new idea that hopefully will keep it up for years,” Far Hills chairman Man Torsilieri stated. “McDynamo’s report at Far Hills, which began along with his maiden victory in 2001, adopted by a novice rating the subsequent yr, after which 5 consecutive Grand Nationals, is among the most outstanding accomplishments in steeplechase historical past.
“It’s going to be a particular race, for a really particular horse.”
Certainly, the McDynamo Sweepstakes for maiden hurdlers 4 years outdated and upward has the potential to hold a complete purse of $70,000, making it the richest race for non-winners on the Nationwide Steeplechase Affiliation circuit. A “sweepstakes ante” of $1,000 per horse might be added to the $50,000 assured purse, and, as an added incentive, the Moran household will match the “sweepstakes ante” quantity to carry the purse to $70,000 if there’s a full discipline of 10 starters.
The 2024 American Grand Nationwide presents essentially the most strong purse from all the eight designated Nationwide Steeplechase Affiliation grade 1 races at $250,000, and this yr’s race is shaping as much as be a aggressive contest.
Standouts into account for the Grand Nationwide embrace 2023 victor Noah And The Ark, 2023 Eclipse Award-winning steeplechaser Merry Maker , current grade 1 Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes winner Snap Determination , and worldwide star jumper Hewick .
Coach John “Shark” Hanlon stated 2022 American Grand Nationwide winner Hewick, a 9-year-old Digital gelding, is on monitor for one more crack on the American Grand Nationwide in October. Hewick completed second in France on the Racing TV’s French Champion Hurdle Could 18th and ran third in Eire on the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup Could 1. He is now having fun with a while off earlier than ramping again up for a fall marketing campaign.
Hewick received three of six begins in 2022, closing out his yr with an 11 1/2-length runaway within the American Grand Nationwide and took dwelling the Eclipse Award as champion steeplechaser.
“We had an unbelievable day trip in Far Hills two years in the past and we’re coming again,” Hanlon informed Racing Put up. “He is a correct grade 1 horse and so constant, he by no means lets us down. Each single day he goes to the races he runs nicely.”
The Far Hills Race Assembly is all the time a can’t-miss occasion, however with what’s shaping up as a powerhouse discipline for the American Grand Nationwide and an all-time nice to be honored, the 2024 occasion figures to be an unforgettable day on the races.
For full Far Hills race situations, click on right here.
Go to farhillsrace.org to study extra concerning the Far Hills Race Assembly and to get tickets.
Go to the Nationwide Steeplechase Affiliation web site.
