Freewheelin Dylan a 150-1 shock winner of the Irish Grand National

Rank outsider Freewheelin Dylan produced a remarkable front running performance to win the Boylesports Irish Grand National at odds of 150-1.

The nine-year-old answered Ricky Doyle's every call to fend off a host of pursuers up the straight.

Trained by Dermot McLoughlin, the gelding's first-time cheekpieces worked a treat as he bravely defeated Run Wild Fred (9-1) by a length-and-a-quarter.

Another longshot, Enjoy D'Allen (40-1), took third, while the 9-2 favourite Latest Exhibition finished fourth.

McLoughlin, whose father Liam won the 1962 renewal on Kerforo, said: "It's just great. It went to plan thankfully.

"I just said to Ricky he likes to bowl there 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 no, it went to plan.

"I said to the lads we better start shouting turning into the straight, because I knew he would stay going."

The trainer, based around three miles from the track, said the Irish National had been the plan since September.

He had Freewheelin Dylan in peak condition for the 3m 5f contest, which had a first prize of €216,000, without racing him for 173 days.

Doyle was shocked that his mount had enough in reserve to keep galloping and stay in front the whole way.

"I could not believe it," he told ITV Racing.

"I thought everything was too good to be true. His jumping is just out of this world, but how well he travelled and the rhythm I was in – even after jumping the fifth last I thought I'm definitely going to get to the third last and that's going to be a cracker of a run."

He added: "I was in a dream the whole way. It was unbelievable."

Irish Grand National result:

1. Freewheelin Dylan 150-1

2. Run Wild Fred 9-1

3. Enjoy D'Allen 40-1

4. Latest Exhibition 9-2f

5. Sempo 20-1

Source: Read Full Article