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South Carolina Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association
The first stride to the finish line begins in South Carolina
Abaan Wins Iroquois-G1

Abaan, trained and ridden by the South Carolina Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders member team of Kate and Bernie Dalton, captured the $250,000 Calvin Houghland Iroquois-G1 on May 10th. This is one of only two Grade-1 Stakes on the National Steeplechase schedule. Going three miles over National Hurdles, Abaan defeated the 2024 Eclipse Award champion Snap Decision. Carrying equal weights, Snap Decision was trying to win this race for the fourth time. 

During his flat racing career, Albaan had a tendency to be headstrong, wanting to be in front or close to the lead from the beginning. As a steeplechaser, he has learned how to relax early on. In the Iroquois, Abaan trailed the field before advancing to the leader, Snap Decision, approaching the last fence and went on to win by a length. 

While racing over jumps, Abaan has recorded 5 wins, 4 seconds, and a third in eleven starts. He has 4 Stakes victories, including the Foxbrook Champion Hurdle, the Carolina Cup, and the Green Pastures Stakes, along with the Iroquois. Abaan has earned $331,710 as a steeplechaser. Abaan was a Grade 3 Stakes winner on the flat, having proved best in the W.L. McKnight in 2022. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Alex Daigneault Thoroughbreds own him. 

On the same program, the Dalton team for the second year in a row won the Green Pastures Stakes this year with China Beach. China Beach took control of the race with a quarter of a mile to run and proved much the best, winning by 5 lengths. This was his third win in a row, having captured the Carolina Cup in March. He is owned by St. Rita Racing. 

SCTOBA member trainer Arch Kinsley won a Maiden Special Weight race earlier on the program with SCTOBA member Pierre Manigault’s Bonnebosq by a neck.

Photo Credit: Tod Marks
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