Racehorse Monty's Pass took centre stage in east Cork yesterday for the official launch of 2004 Aintree Grand National. Louise Geaney reports.
A crowd of over 100 people gathered at the home of trainer Jimmy Mangan in Conna to watch the winner of the 2003 Grand National take a canter before a host of racing enthusiasts from both sides of the Irish Sea.
The 10-year-old won the race last April by 12 lengths.
The Mangan family - Jimmy, his wife Mary and three children - enjoyed what they described as a "once in a lifetime" experience.
"It's a proud day for Conna and for the family," Mr Mangan said of the horse which he has trained for the last six years.
"On a day like today you can't help but think of those gone before us. My father and mother would love to be with us, but they're watching from above.
"It's great to bring the Grand National to the area. Everybody had a few bob on him on the day as they were all behind him," the proud trainer declared.
"He's a great horse, he's never had a bandage on him or been sick and I'm hopeful that he'll run a good race next year. He's resting now but he'll be back in the saddle in the New Year."
The Mangan family have been training horses for over 50 years, with the licence passed over to Jimmy Mangan in 1982.
Among those attending the launch was Cork county councillor and cousin to the Mangan family, Cllr Art Supple.
"This day puts the seal on what has been an incredible time for the family. They've been involved in training for years and everybody knows that this is no flash in the pan because they've been training winners of other races. But this is the pinnacle of the lot," Mr Supple said.
Having purchased the racehorse for £35,000 four years ago, two of its five owners, Mr Adam Armstrong and Mr Mike Futter, were proud to witness their investment launch next year's title. According to the owners, they will not sell their prized possession.
Aintree racecourse announced yesterday that the total prize money for the meeting next April would top £2 million for the first time.