Sword Fish and Ben Dalton jump the final fence© Photo Healy Racing
Ben Dalton added today's Paddy Power Cork Grand National to his Irish National win on Liberty Counsel earlier in the year, proving a super-sub on the Christy Roche trained winner Sword Fish
Dalton, whose best day came on 50/1 chance Liberty Counsel in the Irish National at Fairyhouse in May, was 'double-lucky' to partner today's winner having been declared to ride Prosperity Square in the race with Alan Crowe declared to ride Sword Fish.
Prosperity Square failed to recover from his exertions having run at Down Royal on Saturday and was taken out, reported 'stiff' today, while a similar fate befell Crowe who unfortunately failed to recover from a fall from Speckled Wood at Clonmel on Thursday.
Today's 3m4f feature looked more open than previous renewals and Dalton sent Sword Fish to the front after three out. The pair stayed on strongly for a ten lengths win over 4/1f Unoccupied with Another Palm taking third ahead of Rockyaboya
Afterwards Frank Berry, racing manager to winning owner J.P. McManus, said “Alan (Crowe) was very sore following his fall and unfortunately it was just one of those things that can happen.”
He added “it was much too quick for him (Sword Fish) at Limerick the last day and he appreciated the trip and ground today. We've nothing in mind for the horse but he is limited and this was a grand prize to win!”
Dalton echoed Berry's sentiments saying “I feel very sorry for Alan” before adding “Sword Fish travelled great and jumped great today and it's great to win another big race.”
For Crowe, today's National provided a second heart-breaker having had last year's renewal at his mercy only for his mount Outlaw Pete to run out at the final fence.
Kevin Sexton received a two-day suspension for weighing in 1.8lbs overweight on Carry Each Other who pulled up before six out.
By Thomas Weekes
