After the shock of the Grand National at Aintree which saw it’s biggest surprise for over 40 years, our friends in Ireland have seen an equally exciting result to their version of the race.

Niche Market, ridden by Harry Skelton (son of international showjumper Nick Skelton) reached the final fence in 2nd place but a well timed jump and dash to line earned a 33-1 victory for an English horse in an Irish race… which makes a nice change!

That was only the beginning of the story though, as second place belonged to Church Island (at a massive 50-1), who lead for long periods of the race and was caught by Niche Market at the last, with third place going to A New Story… another 50-1 shot!

The race favourite, Rare Bob, finished fourth at 8-1.

This Irish Grand National race has many parallels with the Aintree race ran just over a week ago, with another relatively inexperienced jockey winning the race. Skelton is only 19, and has seen a recent win at  Ascot eclipsed by this momentous achievement.

Unfortunately the race will also be remembered for two fatal falls, one of which involved the seemingly out of luck AP McCoy and his mount Wichita Lineman, while the other involved Tony Martin and his ride Drumconvis.