Roscommon report: Another ‘national’ for Dermot McLouglin as The Echo Boy delivers

'They went a good gallop and he sat and tried to save and save on him. Then, when he went for him, he stayed at it well'

The Echo Boy and Paddy O'Hanlon win the Connacht National Handicap Steeplechase. Picture: Healy Racing

Trainer Dermot McLoughlin, who realised a life’s ambition when Freewheelin Dylan won the Boylesports Irish Grand National, bagged another ‘national’ in Roscommon Tuesday when 20/1 shot The Echo Boy kept favourite Jerandme at bay in the Connacht National Handicap Chase.

A 15th winner by 7lb claimer Paddy O’Hanlon, the eight-year-old, in the colours of Fidelma Toole, stayed on dourly up the straight to triumph by two lengths, with long-time leader Nick Lost in third.