Ailie Rose and Paddy O'Hanlon © Photo Healy Racing
After Ricky Doyle in the opener and race two winning trainer Andrew McNamara, last year's Irish Grand National-winning rider, Paddy O'Hanlon, was the latest former winner of the great race to enjoy success on the 2023 undercard.
Riding 16/1 chance Ailie Rose for Larne trainer Stuart Crawford, O'Hanlon judged things to a nicety in front and made all to beat top weight Galore Desassences (conceding 22lb to the winner) and Unanswered by five lengths and a neck.
The 7/2 favourite Cadatharla had tried to make inroads on the winner's lead racing to the second last but was making no impression when hitting the last and had to settle for fourth.
Twice a winner at Ayr last year, including over three miles, the homebred daughter of Fame And Glory had been fourth to stablemate Carnfunnock at Naas on her previous start.
It was some consolation for O'Hanlon whose bid to repeat last year's win on Lord Lariat was scuppered when the horse suffered a setback last week.
“That was great, it has to come right every now and again and thankfully it came right today,” said Crawford.
“She's a been a very gutsy little mare. She was nearly going to win a decent handicap at Haydock earlier in the season but had a bad fall that day and it's taken her a while to get back.
“We've a small team but we're a big family and this will mean a lot to everybody, all the help at home.
“She could go to Punchestown or maybe Ayr on Scottish National weekend. Today everything suited, conditions were right, and hopefully there will be something else.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
