Lion springs National surprise

Tom Gibney, who trains relatively locally at Kells in Co Meath, enjoyed his greatest success when Lion Na Bearnai sprang a 33-1 shock in the Ladbrokes’ Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse yesterday.

It was a truly amazing result, because prior to his previous win at Navan, he had looked a modest performer.

At Navan, he beat Four Commanders at level weights. On all known form Lion Na Bearnai had no right to do that and went off a 50-1 shot.