Zanahiyr Pursues More U.S. Glory in Iroquois

Fresh off a Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs that featured three horses with international credentials, top-level stakes action—this time over jumps—shifts May 9 to Percy Warner Park in Tennessee, where the $250,000 Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes (NSA-1) also lured foreign runners. Among the premier fixtures on the American steeplechase racing calendar, the 3-mile Iroquois has a field of 10, including a pair of runners exiting Irish races this year: Leipers Fork Steeplechase's James Du Berlais (FR) and Bective Stud's Zanahiyr (IRE). James Du Berlais most recently captured the Webster Cup Steeplechase Feb. 28 over heavy going at Navan Racecourse, underscoring his affinity for testing ground. Zanahiyr, meanwhile, scored two starts back on "good" turf in the American Grand National Hurdle Stakes (NSA-1) at Far Hills last fall in New Jersey before finishing a distant second in the Racing Again Tomorrow Handicap April 8 when prepping on the flat over soft going at Ireland's Gowran Park. Jack Kennedy, aboard for Zanahiyr's Grand National victory, returns to ride for trainer Gordon Elliott. Danny Mullins takes the call on James Du Berlais for trainer Leslie Young. The 17-hurdle test also features contenders such as Fil Dor (FR), Vae Patron (FR), Swore, and Abaan, the 2025 Iroquois winner. The Iroquois is the fifth of seven races with a scheduled post time of 4:40 p.m. ET. After rain in the Nashville area May 6, dry conditions are forecast in the lead-up to the Iroquois and on race day.