Have we found the horse to give Dermot McLoughlin an Irish National hat-trick?

After Dermot McLoughlin gained back-to-back successes in the Irish Grand National on Monday, surely he couldn't make it three-in-a-row next year – or can he? In the aftermath of the race, Racing TV presenter Gary O'Brien revealed the horse he co-owns and has in training with McLoughlin, Wa Wa, had been a potential runner in the race this year and may now be aimed at Fairyhouse in 2023.

After Freewheelin Dylan's victory at odds of 150-1 in 2021 was followed up by 40-1 Lord Lariat's success on Monday, what chance of a similarly big-priced one bringing up the hat-trick?

What has Wa Wa done so far?

McLoughlin has only had the seven-year-old since October, managing four runs, the latest a 39-length defeat to Velvet Elvis, who was well backed for Monday's race before eventually finishing sixth.

He was an 111-rated maiden for previous connections, but since being with the dual Irish National winner the seven-year-old has progressed 17lb up the handicap ranks courtesy of two victories.

The first was in a 2m7f beginners' chase at Killarney on debut for his new yard followed by a novice handicap chase over 2m4f at Naas – both victories on a yielding surface – before two subsequent defeats.

Racing Post analysis comment on Wa Wa's Naas victory:Won convincingly. He jumped and travelled and picked up well from the last. He will get further on this evidence and he is likely to get the sort of penalty which means they could run him in a good race off a nice weight. It would be disappointing if he could not improve a bit more.

How does that compare with Freewheelin Dylan and Lord Lariat at the same stage?

Like Wa Wa, Lord Lariat was previously with a different yard before going to the Ratoath trainer, and although he didn't win straight away for new connections he did win back-to-back chases, followed by two defeats, before being given a break just like Wa Wa.

At this time last year, Lord Lariat had only had six chase starts – the same amount that next year's possible contender has had as well – before being campaigned over hurdles and fences this season in preparation for National glory. Shock 2021 winner Freewheelin Dylan was also similarly campaigned.

Lord Lariat: won the Irish National off a mark of 137Credit: Patrick McCann

Could the rating be key to what McLoughlin thinks is needed to win the National?

Both his previous winners prevailed off a rating of 137 – this season Lord Lariat progressed 15lb up the handicap to that mark – and with Wa Wa rated 128, there is definitely scope to achieve this benchmark.

Interestingly, before victory in the 3m5f event, both previous winners had two defeats of more than ten lengths followed by a break, so it may be worth monitoring the O'Brien-owned runner through the winter to see if the same pattern emerges.

What did the owner say?

Co-owner Gary O'Brien said: "We've Wa Wa with Dermot at the minute. We were hoping he might be able to run in the Irish National this year, but he didn't make it. Who knows? Maybe next year. He's a quiet man [McLoughlin], he prefers to let his horses do the talking. This is the race he cherishes above all others and, if he has a suitable horse, he targets it."

Read more here

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