McDynamo wins again

McDynamo edged away from Hirapour to win Saturday's Grade 1, $150,000 Colonial Cup Steeplechase at Springdale Race Course in Camden, S.C., likely clinching the Eclipse Award as champion steeplechase horse.

Trained by Sanna Hendriks, McDynamo went immediately to the front under jockey Jody Petty in the 17-fence, 2 3/4-mile race. McDynamo turned back challenges from Numitas, a stablemate of Hirapour's, as well as Free Admission and Erin Go Bragh. Hirapour and jockey Matt McCarron ranged up to McDynamo in the stretch, but they could not get by. McDynamo scored by 1 1/2 lengths over Hirapour, with Erin Go Bragh third.

The final time of 5:14.40 was far off Hirapour's 2004 course record of 5:04.60.

McDynamo, the 2003 Eclipse champion and Colonial Cup winner, and Hirapour, the 2004 Eclipse champion and Colonial Cup winner, had split four races this year, including a pair of Grade 1 races.

The Eclipse vote will decide the champion, but McDynamo finished strongly with two Grade 1 wins (matching Hirapour's total); edged his rival in total earnings, $265,425 to $255,025; and won the season series, 3-2.

Owned by Michael Moran, McDynamo, an 8-year-old son of Dynaformer, won for the 11th time over jumps and boosted his steeplechase bankroll to $833,104.