We’ve got some great insight from former top jockey Paul Carberry, who rode Bobbyjo to victory in the 1998 Irish Grand National, who talks us through his thoughts on the big-race on Easter Monday at Fairyhouse. Paul Carberry was speaking about Irish Grand National Betting with Boylesports Racing.
He guides us through the pick of the runners for the Fairyhouse feature, whilst also giving his thoughts on the lack of English runners travelling over for the race, along with what he feels you need to do to win at Fairyhouse.
Paul Carberry’s Irish Grand National Preview
Thedevilscoachman
If he didn’t run a week or so ago, then he would be the right favourite, but two weeks to recover from that race for this one might not be long enough with another three miles and more ahead of him.
I assume he will run but I suspect he’ll need more time to recover if he is to win.
Gaillard Du Mesnil
He had a good win at Cheltenham, that’ll help him. Willie Mullins has a lot thrown in and he looked one of his better winners at the Festival in a good race.
Lord Lariat
Dermot McLoughlin is a good friend of mine and he’s going well, he’s just down the road from me and it is great to see him win the race the last two years.
I think his runner Lord Lariat, winner last year, had a great prep run for this race at Leopardstown. Dermot obviously thinks he’s got a big chance of winning here and I think he does too.
Panda Boy
He has a good chance too, for sure. Martin Brassil has been very unlucky, he had two seconds at Cheltenham, it would be good to see him come back and get his head in front here.
Other Notable runners
It is a very open race, Angel’s Dawn won at Cheltenham, there is Stumptown as well, but it is going to be a cracker, it’ll be really hard to split them.
I suppose it will be a question of which horses come back right after going to Cheltenham as well, getting themselves back in order.
Paul’s Big-Race Verdict
That’s a hard one at this stage, really difficult. I’ll go with one of Willie Mullins’, but I don’t know which one!
Dunboyne I think has a good chance as an outsider in the race. I’d also give Real Steel at 40/1 a good each-way chance as well.
Lack Of English Runners Heading To Fairyhouse
There’s only one English-trained runner in the field, and there’s a good reason why! The English are probably thinking that if they’re coming over here and beating us, then why would we go over there and get beaten?
The English horses are very good but the trainers probably can’t see them beating our horses over here in Ireland on our turf.
What You Need To Win At Fairyhouse
It is a lovely racecourse to ride at. What you need there is a good horse! There is no hiding place there. You need a good horse to win there.
When I won the Irish Grand National, I beat Ruby Walsh and he was only an amateur at the time, a couple of years later he might have beaten me. He took me on three out, I wouldn’t have dared do that, but it is a lovely track.
The Fences Shouldn’t Be An Issue
Ballyhack used to be the one that might catch you out a bit as some of the horses couldn’t see the landing side of the fence, but they’ve modified that.
Generally there isn’t one fence that causes issues. I think three or four out as the horses are quickening up can catch a few people out though in the final straight.
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