IRISH stables mount a strong challenge for the $250,000 American Grand National at Far Hills, New Jersey, this evening (9.32pm).

John McConnell’s Cheltenham winner Seddon and Gordon Elliott’s Salvador Ziggy look to have a great chance of landing the big prize

Gordon Elliott first made the breakthrough for Irish stables when winning the 2018 running with Jury Dury, the Willie Mullins-trained Wicklow Brave looked set for victory the following year before a fatal fall at the last, victory going to the former British campaigned Brain Power and then Hewick became the second Irish-trained victor with a famous win for Shark Hanlon last year.

Salvador Ziggy (Jack Kennedy) was on a winning run of three in novice chases before his second in the Kerry National where he was giving over a stone to the winner.

Seddon has proved a shrewd acquisition for McConnell, owners the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate, and jockey Ben Harvey.

He ended up winning four times last season, including providing his handler with a first Cheltenham Festival victory when claiming the Magners Plate before winning a good handicap over hurdles at the Punchestown Festival.

“It was an exciting opportunity to have a go at and hopefully he comes home safe and if he runs his race I will be happy.” McConnell said on TV earlier in the week.

“He jumps very well whether it is hurdles and fences so I don’t think that will be a problem and nice ground and the trip will be OK. I suppose it all depends on how he settles in but we’re very hopeful.”

Of the US runners, connections of Merry Maker hope the Irish-bred can continue his good form.

Merry Maker broke through with his first top-level win in September in the Grade 1 Lonesome Glory Handicap at the Belmont at the Big A meeting.

The eight starters includes veteran top-level chase winner Snap Decision. Snap Decision finished fourth as the favourite in the Lonesome Glory, where he gave Merry Maker 20lb and now meets at level weights.

It is Snap Decision’s third attempt to win the Grand National and he comes off and easier campaign this term.

Previously Merry Maker had finished only fourth in Saratoga’s Grade 1 Jonathan Sheppard Hurdle to Awakened with today’s runner Jimmy P, to be ridden by Danny Mullins for Keri Brion, over seven lengths ahead in second.

The Irv Naylor stable and trainer Cyril Murphy run Irish-bred Scorpion’s Revenge to carry the colours of the NSA’s leading owner.

There is little between the two Irish on hurdle ratings though preference is just for Salvador Ziggy.

Gordon Elliott runs three more on the card. September Perth winner Kyogo faces seven rivals in the opener, the Gladstone Hurdle for three-year-olds over two miles and a furlong. Danny Mullins partners Our Boy Wes for Keri Brion.

Galway novice chaser winner Calico lines up in the Harry E Harris Hurdle at 7.33pm while Robcour’s Say Goodbye, carries top-weight in the Peapack Hurdle for fillies and mares (8.03pm).

The races can be watched via the National Steeplechasing Association’s Live Streaming - website: https://nationalsteeplechase.com/live-streaming/