At a level where consistency is golden, Tigray Express just turned claiming racing into pure art.

Trained by Phillip Elliott and ridden by Raddesh Roman, the chestnut colt nailed eighth wins in nine starts — a rarity among claiming horses — and locked in a fifth-straight victory as well on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

The race was an Optional Claiming ($500,000-$400,000) contest that included native-bred six-year-olds and upward (non-winners of four) and native-bred five-year-olds (non-winners of three) over 6 ½ furlongs (1,300m).

Tigray Express, the six-year-old bay horse by Traditional out of Kiri, 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 9½ lengths in a time of 1:24.0 (24.2 x 49.1 x 1:16.2).

High Diplomacy, partnered by Robert Halledeen, chased in vain and had to settle for second, while Wilson, ridden by Oshadane Robinson, finished third.

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.

Tigray Express’s only loss this season came on May 23 in at a $1-million claiming level where he finished fourth by 7 lengths behind Burling Valor over 7 furlongs.

Trainer Phillip Elliott (left) and other connections in the winners’ enclosure with Tigray Express (Raddesh Roman) on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Karl Mclarty