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'We could walk him home!' | McLoughlin savours Freewheelin Dylan's Grand National triumph

The significance of the success had yet to sink in for Dermot McLoughlin at Fairyhouse on Monday ...
Cathal Mullaney
Cathal Mullaney

19.38 5 Apr 2021


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'We could walk him home!' |  M...

'We could walk him home!' | McLoughlin savours Freewheelin Dylan's Grand National triumph

Cathal Mullaney
Cathal Mullaney

19.38 5 Apr 2021


Share this article


The significance of the success had yet to sink in for Dermot McLoughlin at Fairyhouse on Monday evening.

The local trainer - who is based outside of Ratoath, four miles from the track - watched 150-1 shot Freewheelin Dylan stun the field to land the Irish Grand National.

Producing a superb performance under jockey Ricky Doyle, the nine-year-old led from start to finish.

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Speaking afterwards to Fairyhouse Racecourse, McLoughlin was thrilled if still somewhat stunned by the result.

"It's great, it probably won't sink in for a little while again now but it's great, Jesus, it's some buzz,"

"He got into a good rhythm, jumping is his forte and he just enjoyed himself in front and stayed at it well, so it was great,"

"Back in June or July in Kilbeggan he did something similar, jumped out in front and they didn't get to him and I said to Ricky if you can get to the front, he'll enjoy himself as he can

"So it was straightforward instructions, just said enjoy himself again and he stayed at it well and jumped from fence to fence and that was it."

It's believed to be the longest priced winner to ever win the National, which has been run since 1970.

There is also a nice bit of symmetry to the success, as McLoughlin's father, Liam, won the race aboard Kerfero in 1962.

"My father rode the winner in 1962 so it was a race I wanted to try and have runners in for a start and try and win for second,"

"It'll maybe sink in when I get home this evening, it's just a bit of a shock at the moment."

The local aspect to the win is also significant.

"We're very lucky," McLoughlin explained.

"I walked it [the track] a couple of times, I only live ten minutes down the road,"

"We could nearly walk him home.

Although restrictions mean the win was without vociferous local support, McLoughlin hopes to mark the success in some shape or form.

"It's hard to enjoy it in the moment until we see it again.

"My wife and kids will be at home and they'll be waiting for me as well so we'll enjoy it some way anyway.

"It's just unfortunate the way things are but look, we're here and we're racing and that's the main thing."


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