The Grade 1 American Grand National Hurdle Stakes was the main event on Oct. 18 at Far Hills, where the day of racing in New Jersey was dominated by horses and humans from Ireland.

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Irish trainer Gordon Elliott won all five jump races at Far Hills Saturday, all with countryman Jack Kennedy aboard. Elliott and Kennedy won the American Grand National in dramatic fashion with late-running Zanahiyr who swooped to victory to edge fellow Irish shipper Ballysax Hank in a photo finish.

Zanahiyr paid $6.60 for a $2 win wager in capturing the $250,000 Grand National contested over hurdles at 2 5/8 miles.

Howyabud finished a distant third. Last year's American Grand National winner and reigning Eclipse Award-winning steeplechase horse, Snap Decision, finished fourth. All the starters carried level weight of 156 pounds.

Zanahiyr, an 8-year-old chestnut gelding bred in Ireland, struggled early in the race in his first attempt in the United States but grew more comfortable as the race wore on. With Saturday's American Grand National win, Zanahiyr notched his third straight victory after two wins for much smaller purses in Ireland this summer.