Willie Mullins out of luck in America

Irish trainer Willie Mullins' hopes of a first American victory in the Iroquois Hurdle have been dashed by a horse formerly from his homeland.

The Mullins-trained Shaneshill and Nichols Canyon finished second and third respectively behind Rawnaq in the $US200,000 ($A275,235) in Nashville.

Rawnaq, ridden by Jack Doyle, was a seven-time winner in Ireland and is now eligible for a $500,000 bonus if he can win a major race in England next season.

"I think this horse will represent the United States well in England next year," owner Irv Naylor said.