Fairyhouse repeat bid on cards for Freewheelin Dylan but Aintree also an option

No horse has managed to win back-to-back runnings of the Irish Grand National since Brown Lad achieved the feat in 1975 and 1976 but Dermot McLoughlin is hoping Freewheelin Dylan can bridge the near 50-year gap at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.

Freewheelin Dylan pulled offa 150-1 shock in the BoyleSports-backed showpiece last season and, while nobody would be underestimating McLoughlin's charge if he were to bid for a famous double, McLoughlin is leaving the door open for a tilt at the Grand National at Aintree with his stable star.

Speaking at a press event at his Bodeen yard in County Meath, just a stone's throw away from Fairyhouse racecourse, McLoughlin said the ground would dictate whether Freewheelin Dylan would run at Aintree or his local track.

He said: "He loves good ground and seems to come alive around this time of year. He's in the Aintree and Irish Grand National and he'll go wherever the ground is best.

BoyleSports Irish Grand National racecard and betting

"There's only one Aintree Grand National and the fact we've already won the Irish National would make it easier to travel over there but we'll make a decision closer to the time."

The 93 Fairyhouse entries are headed by Gold Cup fourth Galvin, who is one of a 24-strong entry from Gordon Elliott, while champion trainer Willie Mullins has entered 16, including National hunt Chase winner Stattler.

Andrew Shaw, the IHRB’s senior jumps handicapper, said he fancied a novice to win the race. He said: "I would be looking at some of the progressive novice chasers. Stattler would be a good place to start. Gaillard Du Mesnil, Farouk D'Alene and Threeunderthrufive are also quite interesting as is Early Doors for all that he's not a novice.

"He ran a cracker over a trip short of his best at Navan last time and, while he has been off a long time, he won the Plate in July 2020 and the race has worked out really well. He has a good profile for the Irish National.”

Shaw added: “Max Flamingo would be a great story and lots of people would like to see him go close for local trainer Francis Casey. He won nicely at Thurles the other day and could have a lovely racing weight."

Irish Grand National betting

BoyleSports: 9-1 Stattler, 12 Farouk D'Alene, 14 Capodanno, Corach Rambler, Farclas, Gaillard Du Mesnil, School Boy Hours, 16 bar

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