Captain Kangaroo skips over Cork fences for Callaghan

The lightly-weighted Captain Kangaroo a five-race maiden over fences coming into the Paddy Power Grand National, landed the prize under 7lb-claimer Kieran Callaghan.

The Flat-bred seven-year-old was never far from the pace, led four out and stayed the trip well to beat Defi Bleu by two and a quarter lengths. The winner's stablemate Recite A Prayer sent off 11/2 favourite, was a further five lengths back in third.

Willie Mullins, completing a quick double after El Barra said: "Kieran gave him a great spin, the horse was fantastic and did it well. It is great to see him coming back right after such a long time without a win.

"I think ground and trip are a big help to him and I think we'll stay handicapping for the time being. I have no great plan at the moment but I'm delighted today worked out and he got in at the bottom (of the handicap)."

Mullins referenced the Stratum race here on August 1 when he wasn't permitted a like-for-like swap for injured Paul Townend and today's rider Kieran Callaghan: "The last time I brought this rider down here, they wouldn't let him ride. He is back and is good enough to replace any rider I have and he proved it there today."

Quotes from Tom Weekes