Architect of 66-1 Scottish National shock looking to shake them up again

The trainer who pulled off a 66-1 shock in the Scottish Grand National with a horse running 26lb out of the handicap thinks he might have another one to upset the big guns.

Iris De Balme thrashed Halcon Genelardais by 14 lengths in the Ayr showpiece in 2008, the highlight of Sean Curran’s training career so far.

The exciting seven-year-old Domaine De L'Isle created a big impression in landing back-to-back handicap chases at Chepstow and Newcastle, giving the Lambourn-based trainer his first winners over jumps for six years.

Watch Domaine De L'Isle make it two on the bounce at Newcastle last time

The handicapper has already taken notice, putting him up 20lb for those two triumphs to a mark of 140, but it will still come as a big surprise if Domaine De L'Isle’s best days are not ahead of him.

Curran, who took a break from training for three years, was saddling his first winner over jumps since the 2013-14 season when Domaine De L’Isle slammed Indian Brave by ten lengths at Chepstow last month.

Iris De Balme: a 66-1 winner of the Scottish Grand National in 2008Credit: Racingfotos.com

There are no plans to go to Cheltenham or Aintree this year with Domaine De L'Isle but, all being well, those meetings could figure on his itinerary for 2021.

“We’ll look for another handicap with him next time or perhaps try and nick a hurdle race – he’s still a novice over hurdles,” Curran said.

“He is not ready for Cheltenham yet. He’s only just turned seven and is still a young horse. We’ll swerve those big meetings this spring.”

Three miles looks to be the horse’s best trip at present, but Curran believes he could develop into a live contender for the Welsh National next season.

“With a good summer on his back and a bit of strengthening up I believe he’s just the type for the Welsh National,” Curran said. “Whatever route we take next time we’re going to save our powder for next season.”

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