Duroob won the featured Ulster Grand National at Downpatrick for Oliver Brady at 8/1, having been backed down from 20/1 in the morning.

Ridden by Adrian Heskin, the duo hit the front at the last and kept on well to score by three lengths from Talab (11/4 favourite) who short-headed Carsonstown Boy (4/1) for the runner-up berth.

“I’ve had that horse six years. He handles the track well. The wee horse is crying out for a trip. He’s won four hurdles and that’s his first chase win. I’ll see where the handicapper puts him but he would win the Irish Grand National! He jumps like a buck,” Oliver Brady said.

"I had a heart attack on the fifth of January. Three weeks ago the doctors told me I would never see another winner never mind a racetrack but Jesus is with me.

“The owner [Rita Shah] was after a new car and I promised her she would have a new Mercedes by the end of March!”

Miss Shah was in the winners enclosure. She is originally from Kenya and has 18 horses with Oliver Brady.

Duroob was found to have subsequently burst a blood vessel. Askmeroe for Tony Martin and Ruby Walsh who finished sixth was found to be lame on his near fore.

Michael Graham