Freewheelin Dylan caused a seismic shock with a 150/1 victory in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday.
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 @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/fiYMncsisT
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) April 5, 2021
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.
Thyestes Chaser runner-up Run Wild Fred looked a big danger rounding the home turn, but could never quite get on terms with Freewheelin Dylan, who galloped all the way to the line for a one-and-a-quarter-length win.
Run Wild Fred was a clear second, with Enjoy D’allen third and 9/2 favourite Latest Exhibition a creditable fourth under the welter burden of 11st 10lb.
The 27-year-old winning rider told RTÉ: "That's my first ride in the National. I cannot believe it! I got an easy lead and he jumped for fun. Every time a horse came near him, he knocked on again."
It was a definitely a case of "I can't believe it" for Ricky Doyle as he made all to win the @BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Freewheelin Dylan #BoyleSportsIGN @Fairyhouse #rteracing @RTE2 @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/biUySYhsBN
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) April 5, 2021
"I was able to take breathers everywhere. Turning in, I was trying to hear the lads behind me cracking away, and I was thinking 'no way am I going this easy in an Irish National'."
McLoughlin, who trains four miles from the track, said: “I have always wanted to win this race. My father (Liam) rode the winner (Kerforo) in 1962."
Winning trainer Dermot McLoughlin on the "rhythm" that Freewheelin Dylan showed in landing the @BoyleSports Irish Grand National #BoyleSportsIGN @Fairyhouse #rteracing @RTE2 @RTEplayer pic.twitter.com/vGMxMfQ3Xd
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) April 5, 2021
The winner is owned by Sheila Mangan, who works in the McLoughlin yard, and was bred by Liam Norris.
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