Rogue Angel (blue cap) and Bless The Wings jump the last together with Ballyadam Approach in third© Photo Healy Racing
Rogue Angel produced a performance full of courage and determination, making virtually all to land the BoyleSports Irish Grand National Chase (Grade A) under Ger Fox for Mouse Morris and owners Gigginstown House Stud.
Available at 25/1 last night the son of Presenting opened on-course at 20's before going off a 16/1 chance.
Sent straight to the front he had the majority of his rivals off the bridle as he turned into the straight with a health advantage. Ballyadam Approach and Bless The Wings came out of the pack and reduced the deficit after three out as the winner came under pressure.
Bless The Wings jumped into a narrow lead at the last however Rogue Angel battled back tenaciously on the run-in to prevail by a short head.
The runner-up was returned a 12/1 chance under Ruby Walsh for Gordon Elliott, while Ballyadam Approach (33/1) was a further three and three parts of a length back in third under David Splaine for Terence O’Brien.
Mouse Morris also saddled Folsom Blue (20/1) and he finished another two and a half lengths back in fourth under Andrew Ring, while Bearly Legal (40/1) was six lengths away in fifth for Karl Thornton and Donagh Meyler. Bonny Kate (Sean Flanagan aboard for Noel Meade), was sent off the 13/2 favourite and she pulled up before the third last.
Mouse Morris, who won the race aboard Billycan in 1977 and with Hear The Echo in 2008, said afterwards: "It's unbelievable. Tiffer (his son Christopher who died last year) was looking down on me today. He helped me there. That's just special.
"I gave Ger no instructions. He knew the horse as he had rode him in Listowel and won a Kerry National on him so there was no need for instructions.
"The fourth horse ran a blinder as well and I couldn't be happier."
Ger Fox, who still claims three pounds, added: "I knew he'd jump and stay and I thought it would take a fair horse to beat him today. Mouse had him spot on.
"I'm delighted for Mouse and everybody involved."
Morris and Gigginstown House Stud were completing a double on the card after winning the third with Just Cause
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards interviewed R. Walsh, rider of Bless The Wings, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that R. Walsh was in breach of R10(4) by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his previous record into consideration.
The Stewards interviewed G.N. Fox, rider of Rogue Angel, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that G.N. Fox was in breach of R10(4) by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his previous record into consideration.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
