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History was made at Fairyhouse racecourse in Ireland yesterday (5 April) when Freewheelin Dylan became the biggest priced winner of the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at a staggering 150-1.
Ridden by Ricky Doyle, the nine-year old, trained by Dermot A McLoughlin and owned by Sheila Mangan who works for the trainer, led from start to finish to land the shock victory.
“It’s unbelievable. I was excited to ride him because of how well he jumps but winning it is something I’ve dreamt about. It’s madness,” said an ecstatic 26-year-old Ricky, who was having his first ride in this race and who recorded his best tally over jumps in Ireland last season with 16 winners. “This is the best day of my life by far – I cannot believe it.”
150/1 shot Freewheelin Dylan wins the Irish Grand National
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Freewheelin Dylan ridden by Ricky Doyle goes on to win The BoyleSports Irish Grand National Chase - at 150/1!
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PA Wire
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Grand National week started with a huge shock when Freewheelin Dylan, a 150-1 shot, lived up to his name and make all the running to win the Irish equivalent, the Boylesports Irish National, at Fairyhouse on Monday.
Front running is all about the jumping and every time the nine-year-old, trained locally by Dermot McLoughlin and ridden by Ricky Doyle, looked like getting swamped by more fancied horses he would take another length out of the field with his jumping.
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.
Freewheelin Dylan creates history winning Irish Grand National at 150-1 theguardian.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theguardian.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Updated / Monday, 5 Apr 2021
19:02
Freewheelin Dylan and Ricky Doyle jumps the last en route to victory
A stunning front-running performance from Freewheelin Dylan produced a shock 150-1 success in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
Given a brilliant ride by Ricky Doyle, the Dermot McLoughlin-trained nine-year-old was always travelling well and although the challengers loomed, he never looked like buckling.
Run Wild Fred got closest, a length and a quarter away, with Enjoy D allen another three lengths back in third and 9-2 favourite Latest Exhibition a creditable fourth under the welter burden of 11st 10lb.
At odds of 150-1 Freewheelin Dylan has won the Boylesports Irish Grand National for trainer Dermot McLoughlin and jockey Ricky Doyle #BoyleSportsIGN@Fairyhouse#rteracing@RTE2@RTEplayerpic.twitter.com/fiYMncsisT