For many horse racing fans in Ireland, the Easter weekend marks a special occasion – the annual running of the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. This historic race, which dates back to 1870, has become an iconic event in the Irish sporting calendar, attracting thousands of spectators to the beautiful Fairyhouse racecourse each year. With a full crowd back in attendance, thousands will be looking to pick a winner, assessing the Irish Grand National betting odds.
While the Irish Grand National and the English equivalent at Aintree share many similarities, there are some key differences between the two races. For starters, the Irish Grand National is run over a distance of three miles and five furlongs, while the Aintree version is slightly longer at four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs.
Additionally, the Irish Grand National tends to attract a slightly smaller field, with around 30 runners compared to Aintree’s 40.
Despite the differences, both races share a rich history and attract some of the best horses, trainers, and jockeys in the business.
Over the years, the Irish Grand National has produced some of the most exciting and memorable moments in horse racing history. From dominant displays by racing legends such as Arkle and Desert Orchid, to dramatic finishes that have left punters stunned, the race never fails to deliver excitement and entertainment.
However, it’s often the unexpected victories that capture the imagination of the fans, with shock winners defying the odds and underdogs causing major upsets. Last year’s winner, poignantly on the 150th anniversary of the race, was Lord Lariat. The 40/1 outsider was guided to victory by jockey Paddy O’Hanlon, while also providing trainer Dermot McLoughlin with a second successive victory.
“We’ve been aiming for this since before Christmas,” the trainer said. “He won a ladies’ race here in November when he ran away with the jockey, Joanna Walton, and she said then that he would get further. We’re 10 minutes down the road, there was nobody here last year but my family and everyone is here this year – it’s unbelievable.”
Coming in at a much shorter price of 12/1 this year, it will be interesting to see if lightning strikes twice. But how does the eight-year-old’s victory at Fairyhouse compare to the upsets in the race’s history?
The other recent outsider’s victory came just a year before the start of the coronavirus pandemic. In 2019, 66/1 outsider Burrows Saint produced a stunning display to win the Irish Grand National. Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, the horse defied the odds to pull off a remarkable victory. It was a particularly special win for Mullins, who had been trying to win the race for over 30 years.
One of the most memorable winners of the Irish Grand National was the 50/1 outsider Numbersixvalverde in 2005. Trained by Martin Brassil, the horse put in a phenomenal performance to beat some of the best horses in the country. Despite being overlooked by most of the odds, Numbersixvalverde showed his true class to secure a remarkable victory.
Another surprise winner of the Irish Grand National was the 33/1 shot Hear The Echo in 2008. Thanks to some good work by jockey Paddy Flood and trained by Mouse Morris, the horse was considered an underdog going into the race.
And when you look at the list of top horses also running, which included Notre Pere and Royal Country Star, as well as Aiden Coleman-trained Flintoff, you could see why there wasn’t much expectation. However, Hear The Echo put in a superb performance to edge out the competition and claim a famous win.
