Freewheelin Dylan, yellow and red colours, makes all in the Irish Grand National under Ricky Doyle© Photo Healy Racing
Freewheelin Dylan sprang a massive 150/1 surprise in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
The nine-year-old gelding was having his first start in 173 days and sported cheekpieces for the first time in addition to his tongue-strap. He was down near the bottom of the weights with 10st 8lb on his back.
The outsider set the pace under Ricky Doyle and jumped from fence to fence with aplomb.
He was pressed three out by Run Wild Fred and held a narrow advantage at the next as the favourite and top-weight Latest Exhibition tried to get into contention on the outer.
Freewheelin Dylan was well named, though, as he kept finding for Doyle and actually increased the lead jumping the final fence.
He got away from it the better and gamely stayed on to put Run Wild Fred (9/1) away by a length and a quarter. Enjoy D'allen (40/1) was three and a quarter lengths away in third with Latest Exhibition (9/2f) fourth.
A jubilant Ricky Doyle said: "By far! (the best day of his life). First ride in the National and I was delighted to ride him because of how well he jumps. I couldn't wait for the race to come, I was just looking forward to having a spin in it.
"Dermot McLoughlin, what a man! I'm after winning two Nationals for him on this horse [also won the Midlands National at Kilbeggan].
"Bounced out just to be handy, got an easy lead and the horse has loved it and he jumps so much for fun. I was able to take breathers everywhere.
"Turning in I was trying to hear the lads behind me thinking 'no way am I going this easy in an Irish National'.
"For me growing up I have been more associated with Nationals from being good friends with the Brassils. These are the days where Martin would have a runner.
"I'm around long enough. To only have my first ride turning 27 probably not ideal but I don't care if I never ride in another one again, I'm delighted!"
Local trainer Dermot McLoughlin said: “It's great and it went to plan thankfully.
“I said to Ricky 'sure you know he likes to bowl along in front and jumping is his forte so use him up'.
“I was a bit concerned about not getting a run into him but it went to plan.
“I said to the lads 'we better starting shouting' turning into the straight. I knew he stayed going.
“When he came in off the grass last year in September time, we were late getting him in, and I said then we'd come straight here.
“It was a race I always wanted to have runners in, let alone try and win it. My father rode the winner of it in 1962 so I was always trying to follow suit.
“I was fairly relaxed about it until they turned in and then I got a bit excited. I was enjoying it up until then as it's nice to see a horse jumping fences like that and enjoying himself.
“We're about three miles down the road between Ratoath and Curragha. We have some nice horses, thankfully, and will try to keep progressing as best we can.
“We've good help, good lads, and it's all about the staff and also my wife at home and the kids. They all support us and it's very important.
“Ricky is a good lad and that's two good pots he's after getting out of him now.
“Coming here I thought we had a good chance with both horses [Opposites Attract 10th] and thankfully it worked out with one of them.”
The winner paid 231/1 on the Tote.
On this magical of days for McLoughlin, he also had a winner down in Cork with Mr Josiey Wales
Rachael Blackmore, rider of Robin De Carlow trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount was pulled up having sustained an injury in running.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
