New Sponsor For Iroquois Challenge

A lucrative Trans-Atlantic challenge could be in store for the winner of the G1 Sun Bets Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham next month, with the news that the TVV Capital is stepping in to sponsor the second instalment of the Iroquois Cheltenham Challenge. A $500,000 bonus is up for grabs if the Stayers Hurdle winner follows up in the GI Iroquois Hurdle at Nashville in May or indeed does the reverse within a 12 month period. Last year's Iroquois winner Rawnaq (Ire) (Azamour {Ire}), owned by Irv Naylor, was on target to attempt the double before a training injury derailed his Cheltenham challenge and such a hefty bonus is sure to tempt winning connections this year especially considering how well the Willie Mullins trained pair of Shaneshill (Ire) (King's Theatre {Ire}) and Nichols Canyon (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) ran in defeat when second and third in Nashville last May.

TVV Capital Founder and President Andrew Byrd feels the Challenge has elevated the sport across borders and continents in a way that truly connects Irish and UK racing with the best of American steeplechasing. “That historical connection is strong, as is our relationship with the Iroquois, and so we are very pleased to announce the TVV Capital Iroquois Cheltenham Challenge,” said Byrd.

Iroquois Chairman Dwight Hall, who also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Steeplechase Association, sees the Challenge as an opportunity to showcase the best of jump racing in the United States. “The Iroquois last year was a race for the ages, and we fully anticipate the top trainers in Europe entering their best horses again here in May,” said Hall. “Our intent was to reignite that overseas rivalry, and I believe we succeeded in doing that. They've seen how our tracks run and they have experienced our hospitality, and we expect the word to spread.”