Mangan chasing more National glory
“The ground was on the firm side and I can remember looking out of my hotel room window at five o’clock on the morning of the race and seeing the sun blazing down,” reminisced the County Cork trainer of the events of two years ago.
“I knew then that we had a lot going for us. The horse was simply electric and Barry (Geraghty) gave him a great ride.”
Monty’s Pass was Mangan’s first runner in the great race and from being a virtual unknown outside Irish racing circles, the horse trader from Conna near Mallow was elevated to star status overnight.
“Celebrations went on and on. It took a long time for life to get back to normal,” he said.
“The people of the local area were just fantastic. They even erected signposts saying ‘Welcome to Conna - the home of Monty’s Pass’.”
Mangan would love to go through that experience again, although he is nowhere near as confident this time round.
What worries him for Saturday is the combination of a big weight and soft ground.
“Of course I’d be delighted if he were to do it again,” said the 49-year-old.
“He’s well and in great form and I’m hoping for a good run, but the weights have gone up and the ground could be on the soft side - two things that are not in his favour.
“The ground may dry out granted a couple of dry days. You never know at this time of year.
“Unfortunately, I see that Grey Abbey has come out and then Sir Rembrandt as well (forcing a rise in the weights). That could lessen his chance completely.”
On the plus side, Monty’s Pass is a spring horse and has an admirable Aintree pedigree.
“He’d been lined up for the race in 2003, when he had a nice weight.
“And he does have a tremendous record at the track. He’s been second in a Topham and has finished first and fourth in the National.”
Mangan, who reported that this year’s preparation has gone to plan, added: “Thankfully he is fit and well. David Casey rode him over hurdles at Limerick for his final run last month and was absolutely delighted with him.”
Monty’s Pass landed a huge gamble when winning the National two years ago, netting £1 million for one of his owners, Mike Futter.
“I’ve not had much contact with the owners recently but I hear that Mike has had another little bet on the horse,” said the trainer.
“I’m not sure if he can pull it off this time because of the weight and the going, although he might be rewarded with the place part of his bet.”
Mangan is not at all concerned if connections fancy a flutter.
He said: “There’s no pressure on me if the owners have a gamble. I just do the training.
“We were all a bit younger in 2003. Monty’s Pass is 12 now, while last year’s winner Amberleigh House is a very short price for a 13-year-old. But of course he is trained by Mr National himself, Ginger McCain.”
McCain was the last trainer to saddle a horse to regain his National title. That was Red Rum, whose record third win in 1977 came after finishing second in the two previous years.
Mangan believes it is a big ask and, Monty’s Pass apart, he picked out Just In Debt and Hedgehunter as his two fancies.
“Of the other runners I think that Just In Debt has a handy weight and is tremendous each-way value. He ran a very good race when second to Silver Birch over the National fences in November.
“Then of course Willie Mullins has Hedgehunter, who ran a brilliant race last year until coming down at the last.
“National expert Ruby Walsh rides him this time and he could make it a double after winning the Irish version on Numbersixvalverde.
“There’s no-one better than Ruby. He’s the most naturally-gifted horseman.”
Not only did Mangan train a National winner at the very first attempt but he also helped one on its way, buying 2002 Aintree hero Bindaree for just 2,000 Irish guineas as a yearling before selling him on the following year.
That’s quite an Aintree pedigree for a one-time ‘unknown’.
