Cusack’s STAND
Trainer aims to land Irish National glory on his first try at the big one tomorrow
‘DENIS IS A VERY GOOD RIDER, THE MAKING OF THIS HORSE’
AS a jockey, the Boylesports Irish Grand National gave Liam Cusack one of the biggest thrills of his career. In 1994, he rode Ebony Jane (who won the Irish National the year before under Charlie Swan) to finish third in 1994.
A quarter of a century on, Cusack saddles his first runner tomorrow in Ireland’s richest chase, Snugsborough Benny.
In theory, Cusack’s prospects of cracking the Grand National code at the first attempt are longer than the 14/1 odds quoted by bookies for his nine-year-old.
After all, Gordon Elliott is aiming 12 arrows at the first prize bull of €270,000, including last year’s winner, General Principle.
Champion trainer Willie Mullins, who ended his long wait for the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month and now bids to do the same here, will saddle seven runners.
What chances then for Cusack, who has sent out six winners this season, and Snugsborough Benny, up against such mighty opposition?
Yet, there is hope. For the Irish National is a curious beast.
For all the mighty chargers to have won the great race, such as Prince Regent (1941), Arkle (1964), Flyingbolt (1966), Brown Lad (1975, ’76 and ’78), Tied Cottage (1979) and Desert Orchid (1990), these days the elite chasers bypass Fairyhouse in preference for Punchestown.
Since Commanche Court won in 2000, only one other winner, the illfated Our Duke (2017), has carried more than 11 stone to victory.
Gradually the grand old race has evolved into a competitive handicap in which lightweights at big prices for modest stables can flourish – cue Bluesea Cracker (2010), Lion Na Bearnai (2012) and Liberty Counsel (2013).
While Elliott finally bagged his first National last year, General Principle, a 20/1 shot off 10 stone was not the fancy of Cullentra.
It is why Cusack will travel from Mountrath tomorrow morning with a wee tingle of anticipation.
Grand National dreams do happen and he is quietly confident his stable flag-bearer can leave an imprint.
‘He’s progressing along nicely and I don’t think we’re going there to make up the numbers,’ he said.
In the past 11 months, Snugsborough Benny has contested six chases, winning three.
‘He won the “Blazers” at Galway which is always a hard race to win and he won a rated chase at Fairyhouse the last day,’ continued Cusack. ‘He’s up nine pounds for that win and off a mark now good enough to get him into the National.’
A key to unlocking the potential has been the services of ace pilot Denis O’Regan.
‘Denis has been the making of the horse,’ said Cusack. ‘Over hurdles he tended to get a bit keen, but Denis has helped him calm down, and improved him. He’s a very good rider and they’re very comfortable together.’
Snugsborough Benny is a full brother to Snugsborough Hall, who runs today in the novice handicap chase.
Both are owned by breeder Ray Loughnane, who hails from Shinrone, close to the townland of Snugsborough on the Offaly-Tipperary border
‘Not many owner-breeders have a horse to run in the National,’ said Cusack, who hails originally from Murroe in Limerick and has 15 runners for the track at his yard.
‘It’s hard to compete against the top trainers. I tend to keep to the handicap route. Snugsborough Benny has won €73,000 and more than paid his way.’
Between entries and various forfeit stages, it costs €5,000 for a horse to run in the Irish National. As a plus, the money runs deeps.
‘There’s €5,000 for 10th place so we won’t argue with that.’
To put the huge prizemoney into context, were Snugsborough Benny to match Ebony Jane’s effort of 1994 and came third, it would be worth €50,000, roughly half of Cusack’s winnings this season.
That week was special for Cusack as he rode, and was placed, in two Nationals on the same mare in the same week.
‘She was a game mare and ran her heart out both times. The ground was soft at Fairyhouse and she finished with her head between her legs behind Son Of War,’ he recalled.
‘Five days later, she ran at Aintree. She gave me a great thrill; she was up there all the way. By the last I was holding on to nothing, but it was great to come fourth (to Minnehoma).’
There is no mistaking the extent to which Cusack cherishes his National memories; it’s high time he had another one.