Getaway John stays on strongly under Jamie Codd© Photo Healy Racing
Getaway John completed a memorable day for Gordon Elliott, who not only won his first Boylesports Irish Grand National but also became the first trainer to have 200 winners in an Irish National Hunt season, when landing the Cawley Furniture Flat Race at Fairyhouse.
The 3/1 chance made it a treble on the day for the Cullentra House trainer, who saddled General Principle to land the big one before notching up his 200th winner of the campaign with Portnablagh in the mares’ bumper at Cork.
Getaway John impressed on his previous start when scoring in fine style at Punchestown, and again looked a progressive sort here.
The misty conditions made viewing difficult for much of the two-mile event but he galloped on strongly in the straight for Jamie Codd to beat 15/8 favourite Brace Yourself by two and three quarter lengths.
Elliott said, “He’s a smart horse and we like him a lot. He doesn’t do anything fancy but he gallops like hell and I think he’s a real nice horse.
“He could go to Punchestown now all being well.”
Reflecting on his achievement of training 200 winners in a season he said, “It’s great to do it. It’s unbelievable and I’m very lucky with all the horses I have, the staff do a great job and I have great owners. We’ll enjoy it.”
