Boston Bob (nearside, winner, Ruby Walsh) jumps the last with On His Own (Patrick Mullins)© Photo Healy Racing
The fact that favourite Mala Beach traded at odds of 1/4 in the run on the betting exchanges, before his departure two out in the Grade 2 At The Races Bobbyjo Chase, tells its own story. It was then left to Willie Mullins runners to fill the first three places in the Fairyhouse highlight, with Boston Bob coming out on top under Ruby Walsh.
Winning owners Andrea and Graham Wylie looked like they might take the spoils with the Patrick Mullins-ridden On His Own not long after the fall of the sweet-travelling Mala Beach.
However it was Boston Bob that was just ahead at the line, shading it by a head with eight and a half lengths back to their fellow Closutton runner, Turban (Paul Townend) in third.
"It was a bit fortuitous with Mala Beach falling but you need luck any day of the week. I'm delighted to get a number back in front of Boston Bob's name and on ground he wouldn't particularly like," said Mullins.
"It was a good run by On His Own and I loved the way he battled back. At his stage in life he doesn't kill himself, and I'd say Patrick is looking forward to riding him in the National and maybe in the Gold Cup as well.
"Boston Bob and On His Own are both in the Gold Cup and the National. I'll have to talk to Graham (Wylie) but they could run in both races.
"Turban was good over that trip and is qualified now for the National. He ran in the Topham last year, and is also on course for the National."
Patrick Mullins got a three day ban for not giving On His Own time to respond and using his whip with excessive force.
Ruby Walsh was cautioned (clean record taken into account) for not giving Boston Bob time to respond to the whip.
The Stewards requested a report from W.P. Mullins, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Boston Bob, winner, as compared with its recent form.
The trainer reported that his most recent run at Gowran Park in the Thyestes Chase was disappointing, but this was the horse's first run since the Galway Plate on the 29th July and ran on very heavy ground. He felt the horse would improve for this run, and that appears to have happened today, in a race that the favourite fell at the second last.
Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
Paddy Power - Grand National
Boston Bob 25/1 (from 40/1)
On His Own 33/1 (from 40/1)
(AM & EM)
