Dromore Lad and Sean O'Keeffe © Photo Healy Racing
40/1 chance Dromore Lad ran out a nine length winner of the featured Paddy Power Cork Grand National.
Sean O’Keeffe brought the 8-year-old to the stands’ side rail in the home straight and his mount hit the front after three out.
He jumped the last in great style and wasn’t threatened on the run-in with Rocky’s Silver (14/1) doing next best in second. High Sparrow (10/1) and Cap York (16/1) completed the placings with ten of the nineteen starters completing the course. The 4/1 favourite Tokyo Getaway finished eighth.
The winner won four out of five in handicap hurdles in 2017/18 for previous trainer Dermot McLoughlin before reaching his ceiling in that sphere. This was his handicap chase debut after just two previous chase starts.
Winning trainer John Ryan said: "I love that little horse - he is a cracker and is so tough.
"He had a lovely mark and he is just a dour, dour stayer. He wants four miles, goes on heavy, is by Flemensfirth and is as tough as nails.
"There is a 3m5f handicap chase now and he could also go for the Welsh National over Christmas.
"I'm delighted for Frank Reynolds (owner) who has had a lot of winners but that is his first big winner.
"That's Sean's first National winner and he has also ridden out his (3lb) claim with that win. It's a grand way to lose his claim!"
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
