Golden Wonder lands over the last in front, with Shutthefrontdoor (centre) and Saoirse Dun just behind© Photo Healy Racing
Barry Geraghty finally landed the prize that eluded him for so long, as the local man took the Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on the Jonjo O’Neill trained, JP McManus owned, Shutthefrontdoor
The seven-year-old son of Accordion finished sixth in the four-miler at Cheltenham on his last start, and on this his fifth start over fences, he was sent off the 8/1 favourite.
Settled just behind the leaders, the bay gelding travelled smoothly throughout, and he jumped the third last in a share of the lead.
He was niggled along approaching two out, as Golden Wonder hit the front, but under a strong Geraghty drive Shutthefrontdoor kept on best on the run-in, getting up to score by three parts of a length at the line.
The aforementioned Golden Wonder had to settle for second at 16/1 under Roger Loughran for Dessie Hughes, while Saoirse Dun who had every chance at the last, finished third under Andrew Ring for Philip Rothwell at 20/1.
The eleven-year-old Jamsie Hall put in a career best performance to take fourth under Ger Fox for Gordon Elliott at 40/1, while last year’s winning rider Ben Dalton was fifth aboard Folsom Blue (20/1) for his boss Conor O’Dwyer.
A thrilled Barry Geraghty said afterwards: "I’ve been riding in the National since 1998, and I’ve ridden plenty of favourites but have never even went close.
"I fancied this fella, but it was a very good race. I thought I was in trouble two out, but he kept running again going to the last and he just stuck his head out for me.
"He ran a great race with Nina at Cheltenham over four miles and I knew he was going to get the trip.
"I couldn’t believe how easy he travelled but I thought I was in trouble a little bit going to the second last, but he kept going.
"I got a massive kick out of winning the Powers Gold Cup yesterday, and that’s been a long time coming too. I suppose the longer the wait, the more you appreciate it.
"I live a mile down the road, and I’m from around six miles down the other way.
"Ross won it here on The Bunny Boiler and eventually I’ve got to match him."
A hoarse Jonjo O'Neill, who was recording his second success in the race (won it with Butler's Cabin in 2007), said afterwards: "He was in a grand position all the way, and he jumped away well.
"Everything went right for him. Barry gave him a great ride, he knows what he is like and he has seen what he is like.
"He has done nothing wrong all season and he ran a great race in Cheltenham as well.
"He is a nice big horse and he has a bit of class about him which you need in these type of races.
"We needed Barry to get him home in end.
"After Cheltenham there wasn’t a whole lot left for him really and we thought this was the race for him.
"He will have a good rest now and hopefully he is okay and we will then look to next season."
Tony McCoy, who of course has first pick of all JP McManus owned runners, would almost certainly have ridden Shutthefrontdoor, only for a four day ban which he picked up at Aintree ruled him out.
Andrew Ring, who finished third on Saoirse Dun, was given a three day ban by the Stewards for failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Home Farm trained by Arthur Moore, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
Robbie Colgan, rider of Clar Na Mionn trained by Val O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount pulled up, lame behind.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
