Run over  a three-mile course, the the  $250,000 Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes (NSA-1)Iroquois is the longest high-level steeplechase race in the United States, and Stone Farm bred and raised SWORE lead the race right up to the wire.  In front over the previous 15 fences, SWORE was again in front going the last fence. Zabeel Champion, who had moved up to fourth, surged toward the front in the straightaway and needed nearly every yard to catch SWORE to win by a neck in the May 9 race at Percy Warner Park in Tennessee.

A finalist for last year’s Eclipse Award as Champion Steeplechase, SWORE is son of Broken Vow out of the Ghostzapper mare Cara Bella.  SWORE races for Stone Farm in partnership with Upland Flat Racing and trained by Keri Bryan and ridden by Steven Mulqueen.  Earlier this year, the 7-year-old gelding was honored as KTOB Kentucky-bred Champion Steeplechaser for 2025.

SWORE began his career on the flat and was switched to the jumps in 2025.  He broke his maiden going  2 1/4 miles over fences at Colonial Downs, then came back next time out to win the prestigious Lonesome Glory H.-G1 in another thrilling finish. In his most recent race prior to the Iroquois, SWORE drew away to win the 2 3/8-mile Carolina Cup by more than six lengths.