• HELP US - Become a Patron - Fat Jockey is a horse racing community focused on all the big races in the UK and Ireland. We don't charge users but if you have found the site useful then any support towards the running costs is appreciated ... a small donation each month would be a huge contribution. Become a Patron!

Lion Na Bearnai - Irish Grand National Winner 2012

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sefton
  • Start date Start date
S

Sefton

Guest
Lion Na Bearnai won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in 2012 and, after a spell in the doldrums, returned to form when taking a chase over an extended two miles and five furlongs at the same course on February 1.

The 12-year-old's trainer Tom Gibney reported today: "Aintree and The Crabbie's Grand National is very much the plan for Lion Na Bearnai. He has been in very good form since his win at Fairyhouse last time out.

"He was entered last year for the Grand National but was sick and had to miss the race. He then went to the Scottish Grand National at the end of last season as the last throw of the dice, but had a bad preparation and wasn't really right.

"He seems well again now and hopefully we can keep him that way."

Lion Na Bearnai was allotted 10st 9lb for the Grand National last year and when questioned about an ideal racing weight this time, Gibney remarked: "As long as he gets in we will be happy! I think he is about 5lb lower this year so we will just have to see."
 
At 12 years of age, Lion Na Bearnai is the second-oldest horse among the top 40 horses left in the National – bowing only to the year older Tidal Bay - but he brings a tried-and-trusted big-race pedigree to the ultimate jumping challenge.
Gibney’s stable star famously defied 33/1 odds to win the 2012 Irish National at Fairyhouse, a race won by Bobbyjo, Numbersixvalverde and Rhyme N’Reason before they proceeded to subsequent Aintree glory.
Balansiya will head to either France or England for 1,000 Guineas
Lion Na Bearnai will have the services of Gold Cup-winning rider Davy Russell on Saturday as he bids to become the first 12-year-old in a decade to the Liverpool spectacular. He is a general 40/1 with bookmakers but the horse has a history of big-priced success. Prior to the Irish National Lion Na Bearnai landed the Grade Two Ten Up Novice Chase at 50/1.
“I would say his ideal going is wet loose ground but he handles anything really and we’re all set for Saturday,” said Gibney yesterday. The 41-year-old trains a string of just 10 horses at his base near Kells in Co Meath.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom