Races
Irish Grand National: 150-1 Freewheelin Dylan seals Fairyhouse glory and sparks memories of Mon Mome victory
An Easter Monday shock as Freewheelin Dylan caused a huge upset in the Irish Grand National on Monday afternoon
Dermot McLoughlin’s Freewheelin Dylan caused a huge upset on Easter Monday to take the 2021 edition of the Irish Grand National at 150-1 under Ricky Doyle.
The triple-digit chance made nearly ever yard of the near-four mile trip in Ireland off a lowly mark of 137, being Diane Foster’s Run Wild Fred by just over a length.
Ciaran Murphy’s Enjoy D’allen finished third, with top-weighted novice Latest Exhibition finishing fourth.
It was a stark contrast to the last renewal of the contest, which was won by 6/1 favourite Burrows Saints under Ruby Walsh for trainer Willie Mullins. 2020’s race was cancelled as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Freewheelin Dylan’s success was the biggest value win in the Irish Grand National since Liberty Counsel landed the chase back in 2013 at 50-1.
His Monday moment in the sun sparked memories of its English counterpart when Mon Mome secured an unlikely win under the late Liam Treadwell in 2009.
The Grand National Festival gets underway on Thursday, with the feature race taking place on Saturday afternoon at 5:15pm.
