Bobbyjo

Bobbyjo, who won the Grand National in 1999, became the first Irish-trained winner of the world’s greatest steeplechase for 24 years. In fact, he was saddled by Tommy Carberry – who as a jockey, rode the last winner from the Emerald Isle, L’Escargot, in 1975 – and ridden by his son, Paul.

Bred by Liam Skehan and owned by Robert “Bobby” Burke, Bobbyjo was the subject of a major gamble on the day of the race and was sent off fourth favourite of the 32 runners, at 10/1, despite racing from 14lb out of the handicap. Tommy Carberry said later, “Before the race I knew the horse was a stone wrong in the handicap, but he [jockey Paul Carberry] didn’t know that, and I didn’t tell him.”

In any event, under a typically patient ride from Carberry Jnr., the nine-year-old travelled well throughout the four-and-a-half mile contest, but wasn’t asked for an effort until the fourth last fence. Slightly outpaced with two to jump, he was one of half a dozen horses still in contention at the final fence but, switched right to deliver his challenge, drew clear in the closing stages for an emphatic, 10-length victory. Blue Charm finished second, at 25/1, with Call It A Day, at 7/1, a neck behind in third place.

Bobbyjo ran in the Grand National again in 2000 but, carrying his correct weight of 11st 6lb, weakened from Becher’s Brook on the second circuit to finish eleventh of 17 finishers behind Papillon. He never won again.