Dynamic duo land another major prize as Duke lords it in Irish National

With maiden victories in the Irish Gold Cup and Cheltenham Gold Cup already safely tucked away, a remarkable season of firsts continued for Commonstown trainer Jessica Harrington and jockey Robbie Power, as Our Duke belied his inexperience to win the Boylesports Irish Grand National, and, make no mistake, did so in the style of a future Cheltenham Gold Cup horse.

While novices have a good record in the race, it was just the well-backed 9-2 favourite’s fourth run over fences, and history was against him as he made his bid to become the first horse since Commanche Court, in 2000, to carry more than 11 stone to victory in the race. That winner, also then a seven-year-old, went on to finish second to Best Mate in the 2002 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

It was a fascinating race to watch. Last year’s winner, Rogue Angel, set out to make the running, but as they raced away from the stands, a group of three – Fletcher’s Flyer, Stellar Notion and the eventual winner – began to up the tempo.