Showurappreciation
Showurappreciation did remarkably well to finish second in the Irish Grand National on Monday. He didn’t really miss the break, but he made a mistake at the first fence, which left him further back in the field than ideal. His jumping wasn't great throughout actually, it never looked like he would fall, but he didn't really make ground at his obstacles in general, and he lost ground at several. Only around 10th or 11th jumping what was the fourth last fence, he was impeded a little when Kiss Will fell in front of him at the third last but, while it never looked like he would catch Soldier In Milan, he stayed on well from there for Mark Walsh to finish a clear second, four lengths clear of The Enabler in third.
Jonathan Sweeney's horse is eight now, but this was just his sixth run over fences, and it was another career-best performance. Winner of each of his three previous races, he was good in winning at Naas in March, when he stayed on well to catch Kish Bank, the pair of them clear, and this was another step up on that. The handicapper has raised him by 11lb to a mark of 135, but he still has the potential to be better than that. Looking long-term, next year's Aintree Grand National has to be on his radar. The softer fences at Aintree could suit him well, he has proven his stamina for a marathon trip now, and he could progress enough in the next 12 months to be awarded a British handicap rating in the mid-to-high 140s, which would be ideal.
Fairyhouse, 6th April 2026
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