Himalayan on the National Trail Jimmy Mangan holds a huge debt to Monty's Pass, who landed a once-in-a-lifetime triumph in the 2003 Grand National. One of the biggest-ever gambles in racing history came up when Mangan's first runner in the Aintree showpiece galloped past the winning post in the hands of Barry Geraghty. Mike Futter, one of the five owners who comprised the winning Dee Racing Syndicate, backed the horse at all odds down from 66-1 to 16-1 to collect almost #1million. Monty's Pass had two other attempts at the big race, finishing fourth in 2004 and getting round for a third time though unplaced in 2005. Now aged 16, Monty's Pass is living the life of Riley spending his retirement years at Mangan's stables in Conna, County Cork. "Winning the Grand National was brilliant, I shall carry that memory into my grave," said Mangan. "Everything went according to plan, and that doesn't happen too often. It was a dream come true. "He was fourth the year after, he ran a big race as he had a lot of weight and he ran pretty well in his third and final attempt there the following season (16th to Hedgehunter). "He was a great servant to me and it's hard to replace him. He's out in the paddock every day enjoying himself. "We may ride him out in the summer, but I wouldn't want him to get too heavy. "He's going to live the rest of his life out at my farm. "He won the Kerry National and was second in it and second also in the Galway Plate. He was an unbelievable horse." Mangan has not had a National runner since Monty's Pass retired, but is likely to be represented this time by Himalayan Trail. Himalayan Trail won last year's Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter when trained in England by Sue Smith. "Himalayan Trail is a real speed horse. He's coming to himself, he was fifth in the Becher Chase there in November and I'm hoping he'll run a big race," Mangan added. "Hopefully we'll have another big day to come." That could be nearer than Mangan imagines.
