Trainer Dermot McLoughlin caused an upset with another Irish Grand National outsider as Lord Lariat prevailed on home turf.
The 40-1 shot stunned the Fairyhouse opposition, one year on from his stablemate Freewheelin Dylan's 150-1 triumph. McLoughlin, who trains locally to the course, was thrilled to get another fairytale result in the Easter Monday feature.
He said: "I was confident enough coming into this as he was fresh after a break and it’s great for everyone involved, including Paddy (O'Hanlon) on board.
"The kids are here this year – they missed it all last year – so it’s a special day. To do it again at my local track is unbelievable."
The seven-year-old winner, who struck at the track last November, stayed on with gusto at the finish to pull clear of the long time leader Frontal Assault. Comfortably ahead at the line, the official margin was four-and-three-quarter lengths, with the 11-2 favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil back in third.
Screaming Colours was fourth in a bunched finish for the places in the 27-runner field. Lord Lariat’s performance in the €500,000 contest, sponsored by Boylesports, sparked huge celebrations from the team. O'Hanlon proudly lifted his silverware up for the cameras in the post-race presentation.
He said: "I came here absolutely buzzing to have a ride in the race, so to win it is brilliant."
The big triumph came just a day after McLoughlin saddled two winners at the meeting, Digby and Imperial Ruler. Earlier on the card, Darasso took the Grade 2 Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle.
Trainer Joseph O’Brien and owner JP McManus teamed up with the ultra consistent 7-2 shot, who stamped his class on the 2m 4f event.
At Plumpton, there was a sad postscript to the Betting.Bet Sussex Champion Chase, which was voided. Golden Boy Grey was pulled up by jockey Jamie Moore and could not be saved after picking up an injury.
As there was no room for the other runners to pass safely, the race was called off.
The stewards' report read: "The clerk of the course confirmed that the 'stop race' procedures were implemented as a result of a runner suffering an injury in the home straight and that it was not possible for the rest of the field to safely pass on the next circuit.
"The stewards were satisfied that all procedures were carried our correctly and that all jockeys having seen the orange and yellow 'stop race' flags correctly pulled up.
"In light of the orange and yellow 'stop race' flags being deployed, the stewards declared the race void."
