Freewheelin Dylan caused a seismic shock among racing fans by winning the BoyleSports Irish Grand National as a 150-1 longshot. His win was the greatest upset since the race was established in 1870.
Everyone loves an underdog success story and the 9-year old gelding left no doubt he deserved the win by moving to the front of the field after the first fence. It was the gelding’s first start in six months — when he lost his last race by 50 lengths.
Like most races, the Irish Grand National took place without spectators. Freewheelin Dylan was trained by Dermot McLoughlin and ridden by Ricky Doyle.
Wow!
I noticed that at 6:54, several riders at the back of the pack swerved off the main curse and did not take the jump. Does that mean they were pulling up, taking their horse out of the race? I know very little about steeplechase, I don’t even know if it’s called that anymore. Although I do know the names of horses, like Red Rum, who did very well…
That would be my guess. Those are long, grueling races so my hat is off to a jockey who thinks it’s better to save their horse for another day.