Tigray Express, the six-year-old bay horse by Traditional out of Kiri, continued his outstanding run of form in 2025 with another commanding performance, securing his eighth victory from nine starts this season. The latest success came in a three-year-old and upwards claiming race worth $500,000–$400,000 over 6½ furlongs.
Sent out by trainer Phillip Elliott and ridden by champion jockey Raddesh Roman, Tigray Express broke sharply, assumed the lead early, and never looked back. He maintained a strong gallop throughout before drawing clear in the straight to win by 5 ½ lengths in a time of 1:24.0.
High Diplomacy, partnered by Robert Halledeen, chased in vain and had to settle for second, while Wilson, ridden by Oshadane Robinson, finished third.
The victory once again highlighted the horse’s popularity in the claiming ranks. Immediately after the race, it was confirmed that Tigray Express had been claimed for $500,000 by trainer Dalton Sirjue on behalf of owner Anthony Chin. Interest was intense, with 32 claims lodged for Tigray Express.
This latest triumph lifts Tigray Express’s overall career record to 14 wins from 54 starts, with total stakes earnings now approaching $8 million. His consistency and ability to deliver under different trainers and riders have made him one of the most sought-after horses on the circuit.
For Elliott, the win marked his eleventh success from 66 runners in 2025, underlining a productive campaign.
With his current form and the level of demand surrounding him, Tigray Express remains a headline name in the claiming division.
