150-1 winner of Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse as Freewheelin Dylan storms to glory
Huge outsider proves unstoppable at Fairyhouse under inspired Ricky Doyle. By Press Association Monday 5 Apr 2021, 5:30 PM 6 hours ago 30,042 Views 22 Comments
FREEWHEELIN DYLAN CAUSED a seismic shock with a 150-1 victory in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. Ricky Doyle celebrates winning with Freewheelin Dylan Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO
Dermot McLoughlin’s charge was widely unconsidered for the €400,000 showpiece on what was his first appearance since finishing last of eight runners at Punchestown in October.
However, ridden brilliantly by Ricky Doyle, the nine-year-old was in front after jumping the first fence and was never headed.
Rank outsider wins Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse
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A rank outsider has won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
Freewheelin Dylan ridden by Ricky Doyle won the big race and came home at 150/1.
With Ricky Doyle in the saddle in his first ride in the Irish National, Freewheelin Dylan led all the way from start to finish holding off all challengers and won comfortably and going away over the line. The team had previously won the Midland National in Kilbeggan.
Thyestes runner-up Run Wild Fred was second at 9/1 with Enjoy D allen third at 40/1.
The 9/2 favourite, Latest Exhibition came home in fourth with Sempo coming home in fourth at 20/1.
The jockey had little choice but to take up the running over a mile and a half out and then Tiger Roll did what he has so often done before and powered home.
The dual Grand National winner was nimble at his fences throughout, making ground at every obstacle. Warm order favourite Easysland was dropped in rear throughout and looked to be making ominous progress five from home.
But the result from 2020 was reversed as Tiger Roll bounced off the better ground and Easysland could do little in response, with the better ground in the winner s favourite.
The jockey was emotional post-race after what has been an incredibly trying time for the team at Cullentra House following the suspension of trainer Gordon Elliott.
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At the time of writing, we’re awaiting a second inspection of the day at Exeter to see whether this afternoon’s card can go ahead.
If it does, then last year’s Supreme third Chantry House will be looking to get his novice chase campaign back on track ahead of a tilt at the Marsh, while a strong showing from The Glancing Queen in the 15.10 would confirm her place among the leading contenders for the Mares Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.