Can Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue complete a unique globetrotting double in Saturday's American Grand National?

Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue will bid for more international success in Saturday's American Grand National, having claimed the historic Velka Pardubicka with Stumptown in the Czech Republic last weekend.

US jump racing's most coveted prize bears little resemblance to its Aintree namesake, with competitors running off level weights over two miles and five furlongs with 14 hurdles to be jumped. Irish trainers have a good recent record in the race, run at Far Hills, with Hewick scoring three years ago and Gordon Elliott, who will be represented this year by Zanahiyr and Fil Dor, successful in 2018 with Jury Duty.

This year will mark Gavin Cromwell’s maiden appearance in the US jumping scene when Ballysax Hank lines up for a share of the $250,000 total purse. He has 13lb to find on chase ratings with Zanahiyr, but he is improving at a rate of knots, having landed the valuable Summer Plate at Market Rasen earlier this year before a Gowran Flat success last time.

Ballysax Hank: will attempt to complete a famous globetrotting double for trainer Gavin CromwellCredit: Steve Davies (racingmediapics.co.uk)

“I'm looking forward to it,” Cromwell said. “He travelled across fine. Obviously, he has a bit to find on ratings with Gordon’s two, but I think he's a young horse who could be progressive. The conditions should suit, he loves nice ground, and hopefully has a good chance.”

The Gordon Elliott-trained Zanahiyr leads the field on ratings and in the betting. He is the 15-8 favourite and the choice of Jack Kennedy following wins at the Galway festival and on the Flat at Bellewstown last time.

Elliott said: “Zanahiyr got a nice confidence-booster at Galway and that ought to have done him the world of good. He’s got a touch of class and this looked a suitable opportunity for him.”

Zanahiyr (right) runs in the American Grand National on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Stablemate Fil Dor is a best-priced 7-1 and will be ridden by Danny Gilligan. The Grade 2-winning hurdler has not tasted success since landing a two-runner chase at Thurles in November and most recently finished ten and a half lengths behind the reopposing Ballysax Hank on the Flat at Gowran last month.

“Fil Dor has plenty of ability, too,” Elliott said. “I have a feeling a race like this might bring out the best in him. They both seem to be in good form, so fingers crossed things will go well for them over there.”

Last year’s winner Snap Decision heads the home challenge. The now 11-year-old beat Galvin by a neck in a thrilling finish 12 months ago and attempts to become the first horse to retain the title since five-time winner Mcdynamo in 2007.

American Grand National (8.50pm Far Hills, Saturday)
bet365: 15-8 Zanahiyr, 11-4 Ballysax Hank, 4 Snap Decision, 7 Fil Dor, 8 bar.

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