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World challenge announced

Cole Harden jumps the last as he wins the Ladbrokes World Hurdle
Image: Cole Harden: Could he be a possible for the bonus?

A $500,000 bonus prize is up for grabs for any horse that can win both the Ladbrokes World Hurdle and the Calvin Houghland Iroquois Hurdle in America.

The Brown Advisory Iroquois Challenge aims to reignite transatlantic rivalry by offering the extra prize for landing both Grade One events within the space of 12 months.

Mike Hankin, president and CEO of Brown Advisory, said: "We've been talking about this for six months and we think it can happen.

"I've enjoyed coming here (Cheltenham) as a guest of Robert Waley-Cohen's for the last three years and I love the racing here.

"The idea of this came from the people at Iroquois and if we can get some good horses coming over to America and vice-versa, I think it will be terrific.

"I spoke to Nicky Henderson here (at Cheltenham) yesterday and he thought he had an idea of a horse that could be suitable for it, while I also spoke to Jonjo O'Neill and I could see his mind working on it.

"I think it might take two or three years to get going, but it seems like a reasonable thing to do."

Willie Mulllins, who has enjoyed success in recent seasons in both France and Japan, expressed his delight at the new scheme being launched

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He said: "I am delighted to hear about this $500,000 bonus. It's good to see the two racecourses getting together like this.

"We need to embrace international competition for the sport of National Hunt racing to grow.

"I will support the Brown Advisory Iroquois Cheltenham Challenge as much as possible and hope it will encourage similar international initiatives."

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