If Noble Yeats is successful in defending his 2022 Grand National crown then that will mean for the fifth consecutive year, an Irish-trained horse has won horse racing’s biggest prize. As things stand, this is an eventuality that looks achievable.
Can Noble Yeats defend his crown?
Indeed, one of the best Grand National bets punters are making at the moment is on Noble Yeats to win the main event at Aintree with 2022’s winner at odds of just 8/1 to go all the way once more. The eight-year-old gelding will, of course, face a stiff challenge from Corach Rambler who is trained by Lucinda Russell in Kinross, Scotland.
While this could be one of the closest Grand National in years, the fact remains that Irish trainers have stamped their mark on this iconic race.
Tiger Roll gets the ball rolling in 2018
2018 was a memorable year for Irish horse racing after Tiger Roll won the Grand National while being trained by Gordon Elliot. The trainer who operates out of County Meath was instrumental in Tiger Roll’s victory and remarkably, Elliott was able to repeat the success the following year in 2019.
Ridden by Davy Russel, the 4/1 favourite’s victory at Aintree meant that he became the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to win back-to-back Grand Nationals.
Another point worth considering around Tiger Roll’s double at Aintree in 2019 was the horse also became the first favourite to win the race since 2008.
Unquestionably, accomplishing this rare feat paved the way for further Irish success in 2021 when Minella Times, from the stables of Henry de Bromhead in County Waterford, made it a hat-trick of wins for Irish trainers at the Grand National.
Minella Times steals the limelight
The eight-year-old gelding started the race at 11/1 but thanks in large part to the excellence of Rachael Blackmore, who would become the female jockey to win the Grand National, the horse was able to get to the finishing post first. It was another red letter day for Irish horse racing but 12 months later in 2022, it was Emmet Mullins’ turn to fly the flag for the Emerald Isle.
Another unlikely winner?
Yes, Noble Yeats’ stunning victory made headlines all over the world as the horse become the first seven-year-old winner in 81 years. In addition to that, Noble Yeats was ridden by amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen at a starting price of 50/1.
Again, an Irish trainer had managed to magically pull a rabbit out of the hat on horse racing’s most prestigious stage.
Now eight and as previously alluded to, Noble Yeats will make the journey down from Mullins’ stables in County Carlow in an effort to make it five wins from five for Irish trainers.
While this is a strong possibility, it should be said that so often, the winner flies under the radar and comes charging through the pack. Who will it be in 2023? No one can say for sure but don’t be surprised if the champion horse takes off from Liverpool John Lennon Airport with the destination set for Ireland at the conclusion of the Grand National Festival.
Discover more from LoveBelfast
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
