Mullingar stable has runner in Aintree Grand National
Ciaran Murphy of Charlestown Stud, Mullingar is hoping for a fairytale Grand National story on Saturday as he runs Enjoy D’Allen in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
It will be the horse’s second attempt at the Aintree course and it didn’t go particularly well last year as he unseated his rider at the first fence. This year he has been given a very patient build-up and comes to Aintree fresh for the big race.
Jockey Sam Torrens, who rode him at Fairyhouse in February when he was sixth behind winner Kemboy, has today been confirmed as the jockey and Enjoy D’Allen (which carries 10st-05) will be one of 40 horses in Saturday's big race (5.15pm).
For the Mullingar yard, it’s a major achievement to even have a horse in the world’s most famous steeplechase and Enjoy D'Allen’s potential has been spotted by legendary owner, JP McManus, who purchased the horse last year with the Grand National in mind, following his promising run in the Irish equivalent.
The Irish national is ran over three miles, five furlongs, while the Aintree event is over four miles, two and a half furlongs, so it takes a great stamina and solid jumping to prevail. The doughty nine-year-old has a lot of credentials for the famous race which has total prize money of over £1m sterling (£561,300 going to the winner).
“Enjoy D'Allen was third in the Irish national last year, after a great run and JP then purchased him. He was trained here all the while and has been kept here in our yard since, which is great for all involved that someone of JP McManus’ stature has a horse with Charlestown Stud,'' explained Ballymore native Ciaran.
PRESTIGIOUS
“We have him geared for the Grand National, that was always the plan. He had a really nice run in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas (finishing 10th) and he’s six pounds lower than last year in the weights. We’re hopeful, if he can get a good first mile under his belt and settle into the race, that he will run well.
“He stays well and jumping is his forte; he ticks a lot of boxes for this race. But to have a horse, even, for us, in such a prestigious race is just a dream come through and we’re really looking forward to the occasion.”
Murphy will travel over today and be there to meet Enjoy D’Allen when he rides out on Friday morning. The horse travelled on Wednesday and will be under the care of Laura Bohan and Ciara Skerry, who work in Charlestown Stud.
“He’s in capable hands,” remarked Murphy, who will be joined by his good friends, Kieran and Carrie Clarke for Saturday’s big race.
“We’ll have a bit of support there for the occasion and we’re really looking forward to it,” remarked the dual purpose trainer.
Having taken over the licence three years’ ago, Murphy is really enjoying his role at Charlestown Stud and the legendary Dot Love has been a pillar of support. He reserves special praise for the widely acclaimed trainer.
“I worked with Dot for 25 years and she is still here working with us. She has been an outstanding support. Only for her I wouldn’t be where I am,” he added.
Charlestown Stud have enjoyed success in the past, with Liberty Counsel winning the Irish Grand National in 2013 in what was an outstanding achievement, but even a place in Saturday’s race would surpass that.