The Grade I Jonathan Sheppard Handicap returns to Saratoga on August 20, 2025, showcasing elite steeplechase talent over 2 3/8 miles of turf. With a $150,000 purse and a field of seasoned hurdlers, this NSA-sanctioned event honors Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard and serves as a marquee moment for jump racing in North America.
Race Name: Jonathan Sheppard Handicap (Grade I)
Race Number: 1
Track: Saratoga Race Course
Date & Time: August 20, 2025 – 1:10 PM ET
Surface: Turf
Distance: 2 3/8 miles (Hurdle)
Purse: $150,000
Eligibility: 4-year-olds & up
Full Field Analysis
| No. | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree | Weight | Notes |
| 1 | Givemefive (IRE) | Gerard Galligan | Cyril Murphy | Holy Roman Emperor (IRE) × Girl of The Hour (GB) | 158 lbs | Irish-bred with strong European form; front-running style |
| 2 | Hidden Path | Conor Tierney | Richard J. Hendriks | Hard Spun × Lots o’ Lex | 150 lbs | Recent Saratoga winner; sharp jumper with tactical speed |
| 3 | Jimmy P | Stephen Mulqueen | Keri Brion | Slumber (GB) × My Love Venezuela | 154 lbs | Grade I winner; late closer with proven class |
| 4 | Sweet Will (IRE) | Freddie Procter | Archibald Kingsley Jr. | Dragon Pulse (IRE) × Hallie’s Comet (IRE) | 142 lbs | Veteran 8YO; consistent form in longer hurdles |
| 5 | Who’s Counting | Sean McDermott | Sean McDermott | Vancouver (AUS) × Counter Measure | 150 lbs | Dual threat as trainer and jockey; solid Saratoga record |
| 6 | Zarak the Brave (FR) | Evan Dwan | Thomas Garner | Zarak (FR) × Tempo Royale (FR) | 158 lbs | Former Willie Mullins trainee; U.S. debut with class |
| 7 | The Insider (IRE) | Bernard Dalton | Keri Brion | Elzaam (AUS) × Nueva (IRE) | 142 lbs | Recent Colonial Downs winner; improving form |
| 8 | Quick Master | Graham Watters | Jack Fisher | Hard Spun × Pura Classe (BRZ) | 144 lbs | Consistent stakes performer; late pace threat |
Trainer & Jockey Highlights
Keri Brion: Fields two contenders (Jimmy P, The Insider), both with Grade I experience and tactical versatility.
Jack Fisher: Brings Quick Master, a reliable stakes-level hurdler with strong late pace.
Sean McDermott: Pulls double duty as trainer and rider of Who’s Counting, a rare feat in elite company.
Cyril Murphy: Givemefive (IRE) is his top charge, with European seasoning and front-end speed.
Pedigree Insights
Zarak the Brave (FR): By Zarak, a son of Dubawi, known for stamina and turf excellence.
Jimmy P: Slumber (GB) progeny, ideal for long-distance turf and hurdles.
Hidden Path & Quick Master: Both sired by Hard Spun, offering durability and turf adaptability.
Givemefive (IRE): Holy Roman Emperor lineage, a proven turf sire in European jump racing.
