Duroob boost for Brady in Ulster Grand National
Brady has been battling ill-health for some time, but savoured this victory, Duroob’s first over fences, explaining to onlookers: “I had a heart attack early in January and, three weeks ago, the doctors told me I wouldn’t see another winner, never mind a racetrack. But Jesus is with me and this wee horse is a cracker.
“He won four over hurdles and this is first chase win. He’s only a handy horse but needs a trip. He loves it around here and jumps like a buck We’ll see what the handicapper does to him now.
“The horse’s owner (Rita Shah) was looking for a new car and I told her she’d have a new Mercedes before the end of March!”
Brady indicated that he might consider a tilt at the Ladbrokes.com Irish Grand National, but he’d have to climb significantly in the ratings to get into the Fairyhouse showpiece.
The Gordon Elliott-trained Dirar will be aimed at the Galway Hurdle following a smooth, odds-on win in the Toals Bookmakers Dial-A- Bet Hurdle.
In the absence of chief rival Twinlight, one of three intended, Willie Mullins-trained runners withdrawn due to unsuitable ground conditions, Dirar was sent off 4/7 favourite and, confidently handled by Paul Carberry, he took command early on the run-in before stretching clear to beat Gudnis Gracious me by six lengths.
Elliott commented: “This fellow won an Ebor and was more than entitled to win a race like this, although it’s the first time he’s put his head in front for a while. He might go to Punchestown, but his target is the Galway Hurdle — he’s been second in it for the last two years and will have another crack at it.”
Dirar’s win proved a happier outcome for the Elliott/Carberry partnership, and odds-on punters, stunned by the defeat of 2/9 shot Cause Of Causes in the opening Bet At Toals On-Course Shop Maiden Hurdle.
Andrew Lynch, on the Peter Casey-trained Brecan Boy, outwitted Carberry in a tactical affair, getting the better of the favourite, denied a run briefly on the run-in, by a length.
