Snap Decision Lands Elusive Grand National

Pulled up in last year's running after running second in 2021 and sixth in 2022, Snap Decision would not be denied a fourth time, battling home in a driving finish to finally land the elusive American Grand National Stakes (NSA-1) at Far Hills. Jockey Graham Watters settled the Hard Spun gelding in fifth after the first mile and then moved up to second behind Frontline Citizen (IRE), who led through the first 2 1/4 miles of the 2 5/8-mile hurdle. Moving to the front out of the far turn and leading the field over the final jump, Snap Decision was collared in the stretch by High Definition (IRE) to his outside and favored Galvin (IRE) to his inside. Gamely rallying after being headed by both rivals, the 10-year-old veteran battled back to secure victory by a neck in a three-horse photo finish. Galvin finished second with 16-1 shot High Definition another neck back in third. The final time was 5:02.86 on the firm course. Bred by Phipps Stable, Snap Decision was grade 3-placed on the flat for his breeder and trainer Shug McGaughey, but reached a new level of success when switched to jumps racing in April 2019 for his current connections, owner Bruton Street-US and Hall of Fame trainer Jack Fisher. Snap Decision has earned a 16-7-2 record in 28 starts over jumps, including nine graded stakes wins and earnings of $1,133,400. Second in the Eclipse Award voting for champion steeplechase horse last year, Snap Decision is the leading candidate for that honor this season. The gelding has three wins in four starts, all in graded races, including a win in the Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes (NSA-1) in May. His lone loss this year was a third-place finish over soft ground in the Mariann De Tejeda Memorial Stakes (NSA-3).