Irish National storm

By Caitriona Fenton

There was little calm before the storm that was the 139th running of the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National on Easter Monday. The relentless wind that whipped around Fairyhouse did nothing to diminish the atmosphere nor the anticipation, but it did accentuate the trying conditions for the 26 runners.

David Casey’s mount Saddlers Storm was the well backed 7/1 favourite, but my hopes and money were on Hangover, the eight-year-old Conor O’Dwyer-trained gelding with Tralee native Niki O’Shea on board. Hangover was one of three runners to sport the maroon colours of Gigginstown House Stud which made my job as spectator (minus binoculars) all the more difficult, different coloured caps the only distinguishing elements from afar. Two-thirds of this trio, Hangover and Siegemaster had previously battled it out to finish second and third respectively in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran in January behind Whinstone Boy.

As the off time neared, I made my way through the crammed stands to get the best view of the race that I could. Then they were off. The early pace was fairly sedate, and all 26 runners negotiated the first fence safely, but it wasn’t long before there were casualties. The inexperienced Across The Bay unseated Paul Carberry at the second and the reality that it may not all be plain sailing was hitting home. As they jumped the second last with a circuit to go, two more casualties, Telenor and Operation Houdini.

With the roar of the crowd behind them as they passed the post, the runners made their way out into the country for the second time. Hangover seemed to be travelling easily in the leading group as One Cool Cookie led a tightly grouped pack. Then disaster struck as Double Dizzy came crashing down seven out, bringing down Hangover. From my location it was difficult to establish who exactly had fallen but it soon dawned on me that Hangover was out of the race, hopes dashed. But the race went on. More carnage at the very next fence, and more groans from the stands as favourite Saddlers Storm came down.

There was more drama at the last fence as Siegemaster, Ambobo and Dancing Tornado all came down, narrowing the field to eleven finishers, with the 25/1 mare Bluesea Cracker running out a clear winner in the end. It was a great win for the Cloyne based trainer James Motherway and Limerick jockey Andrew McNamara who had to struggle down to his lightest weight of 10st 4lbs for the ride. McNamara didn’t hide the fact that he felt weak due to the weight loss but I’m sure he felt it was worth it. Moreover, his share of the €141,000 pot that went to the winning connections might just ease those hunger pangs a little.