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The Irish Grand National has long stood as a true test for elite steeplechasers. Run over three miles and five furlongs at Fairyhouse Racecourse, it demands a rare blend of stamina, jumping precision, and raw grit. For many, a win in Ireland' s most prestigious jumps race is a career-defining moment - but for a select few, it' s just the beginning of something even bigger.
A handful of standout champions have gone on to scale the heights of Aintree' s Grand National, often considered the world' s most iconic steeplechase. Conquering both is a remarkable feat, especially given the stark contrasts between the two races - from the fences and track layout to the unique conditions and scale of the Aintree spectacle.
The first to complete this extraordinary double was Ascetic' s Silver, who triumphed in the Grand National way back in 1906, two years after claiming glory at Fairyhouse. In the century since, only a small group of horses have managed to follow in his hoofprints - underscoring just how rare and demanding this achievement truly is.
Let' s revisit some of the champions who left their mark on both Fairyhouse and Aintree and carved out their legacy in National Hunt history.
A horse with grit and flair, Rhyme ' N' Reason secured his first major success in the Irish Grand National 1985 before etching his name in racing folklore with an unforgettable victory at Aintree in 1988.
His Grand National triumph is still one of the most dramatic in history. After making a shuddering mistake at Becher' s Brook, which nearly unseated jockey Brendan Powell, Rhyme' N' Reason staged a remarkable comeback. He gradually reeled in the leaders, charged ahead after the final fence, and powered home to win by four lengths.
This victory marked him as one of his era' s toughest and most determined chasers, proving that a Fairyhouse win was the perfect springboard to Grand National success.
Bobbyjo is a name synonymous with Irish Grand National history. Trained by Tommy Carberry, he stormed to victory in the 1998 renewal at Fairyhouse, announcing himself as a serious staying chaser. However, it was his Aintree triumph in 1999 that made him an icon. Under the guidance of Tommy' s son, Paul Carberry, Bobbyjo cruised through the field and took control in the final stages to win by ten lengths - ending Ireland' s 24-year wait for a Grand National winner on Merseyside.
His victory sparked emotional celebrations, as father and son achieved what countless Irish trainers and jockeys had long dreamed of - bringing the Grand National trophy back to Ireland after more than two decades. The moment was made even more poignant by the fact that Tommy Carberry, who trained Bobbyjo, had been the last jockey to win the race on an Irish-trained horse back in 1975, adding a touching full-circle element to their triumph.
Bobbyjo' s back-to-back National wins are still fondly remembered. Fairyhouse now honours him with a self-titled bistro hospitality suite and the Bobbyjo Chase, a key trial for Aintree contenders.
Few horses have timed their peak as perfectly as Numbersixvalverde. Trained by Martin Brassil, he landed the 2005 Irish Grand National, showcasing his stamina and resilience over the marathon trip.
Twelve months later, he lined up at Aintree, and under a masterful ride from Niall "Slippers" Madden, he produced a textbook waiting performance. Sitting patiently off the pace, he made his move late, surged into the lead after the final fence, and galloped on strongly to deny Hedgehunter by six lengths.
His success made him one of the few horses to win both Nationals, cementing his reputation as an elite long-distance chaser.
The most recent horse to achieve the double, I Am Maximus, stormed to victory in the 2023 Irish Grand National for trainer Willie Mullins. His performance at Fairyhouse marked him as a stayer to watch, and it wasn' t long before he tackled the ultimate challenge at Aintree.
In 2024, he again proved his class as the named favourite, securing a thrilling victory in the Grand National at Aintree. Ridden by Paul Townend, he delivered a powerful late run, precisely navigating the famous Aintree fences to claim one of the most prestigious prizes in jump racing. His back-to-back National wins further solidified Mullins' s dominance in staying chases, and I Am Maximus is now remembered as one of the modern greats to complete this rare feat.
Winning the Irish Grand National is an enormous feat on its own, but for the few who have doubled up at Aintree, it' s a mark of true greatness. These champions showed the stamina, skill, and resilience needed to conquer both courses, securing their place in racing history.
With Fairyhouse continuing to produce elite staying chasers, could we see another horse follow in these horses' movements in the coming years? One thing is certain - the road to Aintree often begins at Fairyhouse, and those who succeed there may just have what it takes to win BIG on Merseyside!
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