Barrow points way forward for Hughes
Once before Hughes tasted success in the major Easter Monday feature when Insure won the race in 1986.
For rider, Philip Carberry, it was the continuation of a tremendous family tradition in the National
His father, the legendary Tommy, won it twice as a jockey on Brown Lad in '75 and '76 and brother Paul took the contest on Bobbyjo in '98. Bobbyjo, of course, was also trained by Tommy Carberry.
Hughes, understandably, was ecstatic. “I have spent five and a half months in the wilderness, I didn't even manage one in point-to-points”, he exclaimed.
Indeed, it was November 2 and a horse called Virginia Preuil at Punchestown which was his previous winner to be precise.
“I have never gone that long before”, said Hughes. “He has always been decent, he's special.”
The trainer revealed how he had sent Point Barrow to Bristol University for an operation, after he had performed badly in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park.
Said Hughes: “Niall Madden rode him that day and told me he gurgled. I then sent the horse to Bristol for a minor wind operation.”
Clearly, it worked a treat, because Point Barrow moved through the contest with a sense of polish and real purpose.
He tracked the leaders for most of the journey, until 25-year-old Carberry asked him to start the long trek for home over the fourth last.
And from there the result was never in any doubt. The eight-year-old jumped superbly for the most part, but did get in a trifle close to the final fence. He picked up nicely, however, and hard as Oulart and A New Story tried, they could never get in a blow.
Neither ridiculously priced favourite Dun Doire or top weight Our Ben ever promised to get into the race.
“A lot of people said he had to have soft ground, but he is just as good on this”, reported Hughes of Point Barrow.
“I told a friend of mine coming away from Ballyhack that P Hughes was about to train another National winner.
“He does nothing at home, but is a completely different horse on the track. The minute he arrived today he knew he was at the races.
“I have had five seconds in the last week and knew it was only a matter of time before I trained a winner again. What a way to do it.”
The articulate Carberry took it all in his stride. He said: “He is a stayer and isn't the fastest horse.
“But he was able to sit comfortably on the heels of the leaders. He ran around a bit in front, but I knew he would keep going.
“This is my biggest moment in racing, it will take a while for it to sink in. You are always wondering will it ever happen.
“He jumped great and was so professional. Everything went so well, it went like a dream. In fact it was one of the easiest races you'd win!”
Roger Loughran, who partnered Oulart, said: “He jumped great, like a bunny. He flattened a bit after the third last, when the winner kicked, but came home well.”
Oulart now goes for the betfair.com Handicap Chase at Punchestown.
Andrew McNamara had no excuses for A New Story. “He travelled and jumped super and was just beaten by better horses”, he remarked.
