Thedevilscoachman, ridden by jockey Denis O’Regan, emerged victorious in the Way To Paris Coolagown Stud Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase at Limerick, putting himself in contention for a possible tilt at the Irish Grand National. The seven-year-old, owned by JP McManus, secured his second successive Grade Three prize for trainer Noel Meade, having been awarded victory by stewards at Naas in late January. The gelding had an exciting tussle with Ramillies at Naas, with both horses fighting to the finish line. However, Thedevilscoachman managed to come out on top, making it an impressive back-to-back win for the horse. The victory meant that he was a firm favourite for the recent Limerick race and he delivered on expectations. O’Regan, who took over from the recently retired Bryan Cooper, kept Thedevilscoachman close to the pace, stalking recent Gowran Park scorer Grandero Bello into the home straight. The horse soon picked up speed and surged ahead of the other participants before pulling two and a half lengths clear of the rest of the pack. The performance was enough to make Paddy Power choose the horse as their 5/1 favourite, up from 8/1, for the Fairyhouse Irish Grand National. However, there is still a possibility that Thedevilscoachman may compete in the Fairyhouse Gold Cup Novice Chase instead. The Irish Grand National is a prestigious race that has been run for over 150 years, making it one of the oldest horse races in the world. It is run over a distance of 3 miles and 5 furlongs and is considered one of the toughest races in the sport’s calendar. The race is often won by horses that show stamina, endurance, and a good turn of pace when needed. Thedevilscoachman is a horse that possesses all of these qualities, making him a serious contender for the Irish Grand National. His performance at the Limerick race showcased his pace, agility, and power, which will be required to win the notoriously challenging competition. Trainer Noel Meade was pleased with Thedevilscoachman’s performance and felt that the horse had matured into a serious threat on the track. “He’s a horse that’s really come into his own recently, and we’ve been delighted with him,” said Meade. “He’s got everything you need to be a top-class chaser. He’s got pace, he’s got stamina, and he’s got the heart to keep going when others falter.” Jockey Denis O’Regan was equally impressed with Thedevilscoachman’s performance, stating that the horse had a great attitude and never gave up. “He’s a horse that gives you everything he’s got, and he’s got plenty. He’s a dream to ride, and he’s a horse that can go all the way,” said O’Regan. The Irish Grand National is a race that attracts some of the top horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world, making it one of the most highly anticipated events in the horse racing calendar. With Thedevilscoachman’s recent form, it’s easy to see why he’s one of the favourites for the event. However, there are sure to be some serious contenders lining up against the gelding on Easter Monday, including The Big Dog, Escaria Ten, and Farclas, who won the race in 2019. Thedevilscoachman will need to be at the top of his game if he is to come out on top in what promises to be a highly competitive race. Despite the tough competition, Thedevilscoachman’s recent performances suggest that he’s more than capable of winning the Irish Grand National. With his mix of speed, stamina, and agility, he’s sure to be a horse that will be in contention in the final furlong. Horse racing fans will be eagerly anticipating the Easter Monday race and the potential glory that awaits Thedevilscoachman and his connections.
