Lord Lariat gives McLoughlin second shock Irish Grand National triumph

Lord Lariat provided local trainer Dermot McLoughlin with a second successive victory in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

A year on from 150-1 shot Freewheelin Dylan causing an almighty shock in the Easter Monday feature, Lord Lariat got his name on the roll of honour at odds of 40-1 under 7lb claimer Paddy O’Hanlon.

While there were plenty of fallers in behind, there was not much change at the front end for much of the three-mile, five-furlong journey, with Frontal Assault giving a bold sight for a long way.

Lord Lariat joined him early in the home straight and galloped on strongly from the second-last to claim big-race glory by almost five lengths. Frontal Assault filled the runner-up spot, while 11-2 favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil jumped and travelled strongly for a long way but ultimately had to make do with minor honours in third. Screaming Colours and Early Doors finished fourth and fifth respectively.

McLoughlin, who also enjoyed an Easter Sunday double at Fairyhouse, said of the winner: “Our plan was to jump him out, but I was a bit concerned about getting the trip. Obviously we wanted to get a start like we did last year and utilise his jumping as he is a good jumper. Paddy said he got plenty of breathers into him and it all worked out well.

Sedgefield 1.05 Gold Miner 1.40 Lucky Robin 2.10 Spiritofthenorth 2.45 Nietzsche 3.20 Adherence 3.50 Hurricane Dylan 4.20 Monbeg Chit Chat 4.55 Imperial Merlin 

Epsom Downs 1.50 Just That Lord 2.20 Nahanni 2.55 Vulcan  3.30 Year Of The Dragon (nb) 4.00 Later Darling  4.30 New Pursuit 

Yarmouth 2.30 Bronze River  3.05 Soleil Blanc 3.40 King Francis 4.10 At Liberty  4.40 Assessment  5.10 Lethal Levi 5.40 Silver Dollar

Worcester 4.50 Gastara  5.20 Juniper 5.50 Pebby Lunar