Buzz is already building for the 2024 Far Hills Race Meeting Oct. 19. A terrific card has been finalized anchored by the $250,000 American Grand National and featuring an exciting new race as Far Hills will honor Hall of Famer McDynamowith a sweepstakes named in his honor.
Far Hills, N.J., will host a seven-race, all-stakes card worth $700,000 for the Far Hills Race Meeting, the crown jewel of American steeplechasing. The day’s marquee event is, of course, the American Grand National at 2 5/8 miles on the Moorland Farm course. Far Hills also is 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.
Details of the seven-race card of races below:
- $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 have not won over hurdles prior to Sept. 1, 2023, or have never won three races, other than 3-year-old;
- $100,000 Peapack Hurdle Stakes, a 2 1/8-mile race over hurdles for fillies and mares 4 years old 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 National, 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 old and upward with a “sweepstakes ante” of $1,000 per horse to be added to the $50,000 guaranteed purse and an additional $1,000 matched per horse by the Moran family; and
- $100,000 John Forbes Memorial Stakes, a two-mile flat race for 4-year-olds and upward.
McDynamo won a remarkable seven times at Far Hills, including five consecutive editions of the Grand National—known as the Breeders’ Cup Steeplechase during his reign—from 2003 through 2007 for owner Michael Moran. A true legend of the turf, McDynamo won 11 grade 1 races and retired as the all-time leading North American steeplechase earner. He was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 2013.
McDynamo winning 2007 American Grand National. (Courtesy of Far Hills)
“We have been meaning to honor McDynamo in some special way and this seemed like the right time, with a creative new concept that hopefully will carry on for years,” Far Hills chairman Guy Torsilieri said. “McDynamo’s record at Far Hills, which started with his maiden victory in 2001, followed by a novice score the next year, and then five consecutive Grand Nationals, is one of the most remarkable accomplishments in steeplechase history.
“It is going to be a special race, for a very special horse.”
Indeed, the McDynamo Sweepstakes for maiden hurdlers 4 years old and upward has the potential to carry a total purse of $70,000, making it the richest race for non-winners on the National Steeplechase Association circuit. A “sweepstakes ante” of $1,000 per horse will be added to the $50,000 guaranteed purse, and, as an added incentive, the Moran family will match the “sweepstakes ante” amount to bring the purse to $70,000 if there is a full field of 10 starters.
The 2024 American Grand National offers the most robust purse from all of the eight designated National Steeplechase Association grade 1 races at $250,000, and this year’s race is shaping up to be a competitive contest.
Standouts under consideration for the Grand National include 2023 victor Noah And The Ark, 2023 Eclipse Award-winning steeplechaser Merry Maker, recent grade 1 Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes winner Snap Decision, and international star jumper Hewick.
Trainer John “Shark” Hanlon said 2022 American Grand National winner Hewick, a 9-year-old Virtual gelding, is on track for another crack at the American Grand National in October. Hewick finished second in France at the Racing TV’s French Champion Hurdle May 18th and ran third in Ireland at the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup May 1. He’s now enjoying some time off before ramping back up for a fall campaign.
Hewick won three of six starts in 2022, closing out his year with an 11 1/2-length runaway in the American Grand National and took home the Eclipse Award as champion steeplechaser.
“We had an unbelievable time out in Far Hills two years ago and we’re coming back,” Hanlon told Racing Post. “He’s a proper grade 1 horse and so consistent, he never lets us down. Every single day he goes to the races he runs well.”
The Far Hills Race Meeting is always a can’t-miss event, but with what is shaping up as a powerhouse field for the American Grand National and an all-time great to be honored, the 2024 event figures to be an unforgettable day at the races.
For complete Far Hills race conditions, click here.
Visit farhillsrace.org to learn more about the Far Hills Race Meeting and to get tickets.
Visit the National Steeplechase Association website.