National winner takes his time going home

After his runaway win in the Aintree Grand National, Monty’s Pass was today taking time to get back to his base in Ireland.

The Irish horse cruised home 12 lengths ahead of the remainder of the field in the racing world’s annual jump race spectacular yesterday, and headed for home soon afterwards.

But the return to trainer Jimmy Mangan operation at Curraheen, near the small village of Conna, in Co Cork, on the border with neighbouring Waterford, was set to be delayed until later tonight.

First, there were plans to show off Ireland’s third Grand National winner in five years on the new champion’s own territory.

Monty’s Pass' 150-mile road trip back to Cork from Dublin was being held up while he called in at a meeting in one of Ireland’s top race venues, the Curragh, in Co Kildare.

Race fans there were getting the opportunity to fete the “National” victor after the first race on today’s card at the meeting, when the horse paraded before them.

Meanwhile, jockey Barry Geraghty, who rode Monty’s Pass home, was at Tramore racecourse, in Co Waterford, today for scheduled riding engagements at a meeting there, before heading north to Conna and a reunion with the winner.

Locals in the village pledged a “party to remember,” and anticipated leading the horse through the streets to a special reception.

Trainer Mangan, who missed last night’s boat back to Ireland with his animal, said “a big parade is being lined up“.