Inaugurated 1899 Surface Turf | Distance 2 ⁄8 miles Purse 300,000 USD | |
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Location Far Hills, New Jersey, United States Race type Thoroughbred - Steeplechase Website Far Hills Race Meeting Association, Inc. | ||
The Grand National Hurdle Stakes is an American National Steeplechase Association sanctioned steeplechase race run each fall at Far Hills, New Jersey. It is a Grade 1 event run over 2 5⁄8 miles. It has been known by a variety of names over the years, including the Breeders' Cup Grand National.
The race dates back to 1899 where it was first run at Morris Park Racecourse. It was long the premier stakes in U.S. jump racing. Past winners include 11 of the 14 steeplechasers inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame: Flatterer (also a close second in the 1987 Champion Hurdle), Zaccio, Café Prince, Bon Nouvel, Neji, Oedipus, Elkridge, Bushranger, Battleship (in 1938 became the only winner of this race and the Aintree Grand National), Jolly Roger and Good and Plenty.
The race has also been held at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course as well as the steeplechase meets at Fair Hill, Maryland and Charlottesville, Virginia.
The Grand National (sometimes called the American Grand National to distinguish it from the race held at Aintree in England) is one of the oldest races in steeplechasing and one of the most important outside Europe. It has been brought back from oblivion by the dedication of a combination of steeplechase enthusiasts. The day of steeplechasing at Far Hills includes seven races, the most important of which is the Grand National.