HAPPILY for the Irish show jumping manager Robert Splaine, Denis Lynch had clinched fifth place in the Longines FEI World Cup finals in Gothenburg on Easter Monday well before the start of the Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

The Corkman and his wife Eileen were at the Co Meath track to support their son David who partnered the 33/1 shot Ballyadam Approach to finish third in the featured Grade A handicap over three miles, five furlongs. Trained in Carrigtwohill by Terence O’Brien for William Horgan, the 11-year-old Bob Back gelding was bred by Nicky Connors out of an unraced mare by Good Thyne.

“Just to have a ride in the Irish National was fantastic but then for the horse to run so well was a real bonus,” said David who was five months on the sidelines having suffered a clean break to his tibia in a fall at Kilbeggan on September 4th. “I spent three months in a full cast, one month in a half cast and had my first ride back a month after that. It was my third time to break my leg.”

At one stage, David thought he could win on Monday. “Turning for home, I thought I had a squeak. I got upsides the eventual winner (Rogue Angel, who made nearly all the running) before the second last fence but he kicked on again while my lad was coming to the end of his stamina. It was great to have my parents there and also my sister Dara who was home from London for the weekend. My brother Robbie couldn’t make it.

“I ride as a freelance and at least once a week I ride out for Terence O’Brien and also for Noel Dooly in Wexford, John Murphy in Innishannon and anyone who will have me! I also help out with the half-breds at home and have couple of youngsters myself, including a two-year-old gelding by Amaretto Darco who I think a lot of; I could end up jumping him myself down the road.”