2008 Irish Grand National

In a rather triumphant turn out for the bookmakers, a 33-1 outsider, Hear the Echo, confounded all racing gurus by claiming the 2008 Irish Grand National at a veritable canter, winning the prestigious Irish Steeplechase by a full 12 lengths.

Lightweight outsider claims the Crown

The 7 year old gelding’s performance was even more remarkable as he was 7lbs underweight in the handicap. Premier jockey, Paddy Flood, goaded his charge into contention about halfway through the race and with only four fences to the finish; Hear the Echo took unequivocal control of the Irish version of the marathon, bumping joint favourite Royal Country Star out of contention.

Hear the Echo’s trainer, former jockey and 1977 Irish Grand National winner, “Mouse” Morris must have been waiting for the decisive blow from Royal Country Star’s jockey, Timmy Murphy, who is renowned for judging the finishing run to perfection.

Murphy miscalculates final run

This time however Murphy had clearly underestimated the classy lightweight’s stamina and speed and had to watch on helplessly as Hear the Echo stretched the lead to 12 lengths while Royal Country Star faded brutally fast and came in an unlikely second.

New kid on the racing block, Notre Pere, ridden by A E Lynch had a fantastic outing at Fairyhouse and really impressed for a horse with limited experience. He came in third, 10 lengths behind Royal Country Star. A New Story, ridden by Shane Hassett, came in a worthy 4^th.

Ten out of twenty-three finish

The race claimed a posse of high profile contenders with only 10 horses finishing out of a field of 23. Two of the unlikely casualties were Cailin Alainn, co-joint favourite with royal Country Star at 6/1 and Beef or Salmon, both of which failed to fire and were pulled up with only 7 and 2 fences respectively to negotiate. The only horse to fall was the unlucky Alexander Taipan.

Final farewell to premier jockey, Conor O’Dwyer

The 2008 Irish Grand National also witnessed the final race of one of the stars of the turf and prolific Cheltenham Festival winner, Conor O’Dwyer. The star performer has been thrilling racing fans for over 25 years, but has decided to quit racing and try his hand at training instead.

O’Dwyer ended his career on a high, claiming the hurdle race preceding the signature Irish Grand National, adding yet another win to his impressive resume.

2008 Irish Grand National Results

Time : 7 minutes 55.2 seconds

Distances : 12 Lengths, 4 Lengths and 10 Lengths