Intense Raffles storms to Irish Grand National glory

JJ Slevin claimed his second Irish Grand National triumph as Intense Raffles held off Any Second Now to triumph at Fairyhouse.

Slevin, who won on General Principle in 2018, won on the only six-year-old in the line-up to give Tom Gibney his second win as trainer following 2012's surprise success for Lion Na Bearnai.

Gibney struck gold again courtesy of the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned French import, who has excelled at Fairyhouse in two starts since his transfer from the continent.

Those victories came in the hands of the currently-injured Daryl Jacob, and Jacob's misfortune was J J Slevin’s gain as he stepped in to register his second victory in the Easter Monday showpiece aboard the gutsy grey, who showed his star quality with a brilliant round of jumping.

Always travelling powerfully in the hands of Slevin as he tracked the pace set by Frontal Assault, not even a mistake at four out could halt Intense Raffles’ momentum as the six-year-old eased effortlessly to the head of proceedings.

Keen to hold on as long as possible, Slevin waited until after two out to edge the 13-2 scorer’s nose in front and after jumping the last with a narrow advantage he plugged on gamely to the line as Ted Walsh’s veteran and Willie Mullins’ Minella Cocooner were bearing down with every stride.

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"He's a fantastic horse and it’s easy to train good horses like that," said Gibney, pictured above (L) with Slevin and the horse.

"Last February was the first time I spoke to them (Munir and