150th anniversary: ten of the most memorable Irish Grand National moments

In normal circumstances Easter Monday would have been the 150th anniversary of the Irish Grand National. The Fairyhouse race may have been postponed, but Mark Boylan reflects on some of the most memorable Irish Grand National victories in its colourful history . . .

1961: Fortria

Fresh from making it back-to-back Champion Chase victories at Cheltenham, Fortia recorded the second of a remarkable seven consecutive wins in thdee race for trainer Tom Dreaper.

The 1962 and 1963 Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up was effective from from 2m to 3m2½f and, in the hands of Pat Taaffe, who won the Irish Grand National a record six times, he made his dominance count at Fairyhouse to score by four lengths off 12st. The winner from two years earlier, Zonda, and 1960 Powers Gold Cup hero Owen’s Sedge chased him home.