Dermot McLoughlin became the first trainer in almost half a century to win the Boylesports Irish Grand National back-to-back after Lord Lariat won at 40-1 on Easter Monday.
A year after Freewheelin Dylan shocked the racing world with a record 150-1 victory at a behind closed doors fixture, McLoughlin saddled another long-priced winner in front of a heaving Fairyhouse.
Jockey Paddy O’Hanlon guided Lord Lariat to a four and three-quarter length defeat of Frontal Assault (18-1) with the 11-2 favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil in third. Another 18-1 shot, Screaming Colours, was fourth.
Despite the long odds it was a wildly acclaimed local victory for McLoughlin who trains less than eight kilometres from Fairyhouse.
On the occasion of the 150th Irish Grand National it was an appropriately local victory too a …
- April 19, 2022
