Lion Na Bearnai downs a majestic victory in the Ladbrokes Irish Grand National Chase at Fairyhouse
Lion Na Bearnai scored a fantastic victory in the Grade A Ladbrokes Irish Grand National Chase (Handicap) at Fairyhouse on 9th April, 2012, making his connections beam with pride.
Trained by Thomas Gibney, for owners, Lock Syndicate, the ten-year-old gelding comfortably sailed through the course, under the guidance of jockey, Andrew Thornton.
The son of New Frontier, out of mare Polly Plum, did not have the best chances of winning as he entered the race with odds of 33 to 1. It was a long shot, but the runner proved the prediction wrong and crossed the wire first in a terrific manner.
Trainer Thomas Gibney was immensely pleased with how the state of the affairs turned out and stated to the press that: "Everything had gone brilliantly since he won at Navan last time, things were going so well I was afraid to open my mouth.
"I started training three years ago and he was the first horse I bought, unbroken as a four-year-old.
"Andrew [Thornton] gets on really well with him and gave him a copybook ride. The syndicate that owns him are mainly from around my home area and they include a few old school friends."
Lion Na Bearnai set the track ablaze, as he landed the victory over, Out Now, by 4 ½ lengths.
Out Now, mounted by rider Paddy Mangan, eyed the prize and raced with motivation, but he did not bring enough to the table to defeat the winner. Trained by E. J O'Grady, the eight-year-gelding still landed in a respectable place.
The third place was secured by the Jonjo O’Neill trained Alfie Sherrin, who fell 7 ½ lengths behind the runner-up. It was expected that he would steal the show after his victory over, Fruity O'Rooney, in the Grade 3 JLT Specialty Handicap Chase in
the Cheltenham Festival.
Four Commanders entered the race as a favourite, but jockey, D. N. Russell, pulled him up as he sustained an injury.
Thornton spoke of his mount with delight as he told the press that Lion Na Bearnai battled towards the end of the race and did not rest until he had bagged the race.
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