Zanjabeel – 2018 Champion Steeplechaser

Being the only two-time Grade 1 winner in the division and his general consistency propelled Zanjabeel to champion steeplechaser honors in 2018 for owners Rosbrian Farm and Meadow Run Farm.

Zanjabeel's lifetime record courtesy of Brisnet!

Second best to Balance the Budget in the Colonial Cup (G1) in March and to Lyonell in the Temple Gwathmey (G2) in April, Zanjabeel figuratively proved to have more staying power as those rivals' respective seasons ended soon after.

Zanjabeel's advanced staying power was literally true as well, as the British-bred five-year-old outstayed six rivals in the Calvin Houghland Iroquois (G1), at three miles the longest of the season's Grade 1s. It was a decisive, five-length victory for the Richard Hendricks-trained gelding.

Bypassing Saratoga's features, Zanjabeel returned to action in the Lonesome Glory (G1) at Belmont Park in September, where he prevailed as the public choice by 1 3/4 lengths. Finishing third was Optimus Prime, who had taken the New York Turf Writers Cup (G1) at Saratoga in his U.S. debut.

Although aimed for the richest of the season's jump events, the Grand National (G1) at Far Hills in October, Zanjabeel was forced to the sidelines beforehand due to injury. He earned $265,500 from his two wins and two seconds. His career mark is 27-7-5-3, $425,316, and also includes a pair of novice stakes wins in the fall of 2017 following his importation.

Bred by Kirsten Rausing, Zanjabeel is by Aussie Rules and out of the Machiavellian mare Grain Only. He's a half-brother to Australian Group 3 winner Caravan Rolls On and is from the female family of dual Group 1-winning filly and classic winner Pure Grain.