Nina lands National on Confusion Nina Carberry became only the second woman in history to land the Irish Grand National when giving Organisedconfusion a peach of a ride in the Fairyhouse feature today. The 12/1 shot came with a powerful surge to lead before the final fence in the €250,000 contest and soon had matters in hand. The six-year-old strode clear on the run-in to record a convincing five-length success over Western Charmer. Carberry was partnering the 12/1 shot for her uncle Arthur Moore. It was a third success in the historic race for Moore, who had saddled Feathered Gale to claim it in 1996, and had scored from the saddle aboard Kings Sprite in 1971. Carberry settled her mount mid-division in the early stages before making ground up turning for home. The Laveron gelding hit the front on the run to the last and the result never looked in doubt from there. Western Charmer could only get within five lengths at the line while Sunnyhillboy, sent off the 6/1 favourite, stayed on from the back to take the third spot. "A lot of different things were going on. I shared the breeding of him with Tim Murray who was my first owner ever," revealed Moore afterwards. "Alan Dunlop (the owner) was maybe my second owner. They've been there from very early and we go back a long way. "Nina's my niece and my mother is here today which is fantastic," added a clearly emotional Moore. "He's a lovely horse. So laid back. We were a bit worried with him only being six but he has a great engine. He has a fantastic temperament and has never run a bad race. "The plan was to be a bit further back but he was a bit free early. He settled into a rhythm and was better off where he was - out of trouble. “Nina gave him a breather then and she rode a great race.” The winner is set for a well earned summer break now. “We'll give him a good break and he'll still be a big baby when he comes back. “Today was the day for him and it was the obvious race for him after the Leopardstown chase. “He's going to be hard to place now. He had the perfect preparation and kept thriving at home. “It's a great family occasion with Nina on board. It's magic to bring this off today for some super people. “I'd also like to pay tribute to my staff, who have been brilliant and are getting their reward today. "There's still a bit of life in the old dog yet!" exclaimed Moore, who perhaps doesn't enjoy the firepower of a few years ago. Moore once again displayed his trademark winning celebration of placing his hat on the horse's head and revealed:- “I left the hat in the church this morning and had to go back for it!” Carberry was becoming the first woman since Ann Ferris in 1984 to land the Irish National:- "I'm delighted. They had faith in me and are after giving me great instructions to just go out and enjoy yourself - hopefully go down the inside and get a bit of light. It all went to plan. "He made a few little mistakes but was as safe as houses and I'm glad I got the opportunity." The winner was given a 25/1 quote by Boylesports for next season's Aintree Grand National. The attendance at Fairyhouse for the big race showed a healthy increase, up 16 per cent. 15,196 came in through the gates this year. That's up 2,069 on last year's figure of 13127. The Tote turnover was also up at €418,282 this year as compared to last year's total of €404,123. The on course bookmakers also had a good day breaking the million euro barrier. Their trade was up from €884,265 last year to €1,010,425.
