Horse removed from Willie Mullins and sent to trainer with NO winners to run in £1million Grand National

A HORSE removed from Willie Mullins’ yard and sold to a trainer with NO winners over jumps is in the £1million Grand National.

Horantzau D’Airy was previously owned by Rich Ricci and won three times under his former trainer.

A proven stayer with a touch of class, he also finished second to multiple Grade 1 hero Flooring Porter in last September’s Kerry National before coming second again in the Munster National a month later.

But little-known Michael Keady looks after the eight-year-old gelding now following his purchase earlier this month.

Owner Jim Gill parted with around £50,000 for the runner – but only after necking ‘a few pints’.

Explaining how he came to bid for him, Gill said: “I played golf the day before and had a few pints after, when I set the maximum bid for the horse.

“I’ve had plenty of winners on the Flat but I’m new to having National Hunt runners.

“I really liked the look of him and thought I’d give it a go for the craic!”

Gill has sent the horse to Newmarket-based Keady, who is yet to saddle a single winner over jumps.

In fairness though he has only had six runners over obstacles in the past five seasons.

And if any race is made for a fairytale then it’s the Grand National.

Keady is now dreaming of landing that elusive maiden in remarkable style after Farouk d’Alene was withdrawn from the world’s most famous race following Tuesday’s scratching stage.

He was the 12th horse to exit this week, meaning Horantzau D’Airy now sneaks into the race as the 34th runner.

While the National used to be 40 runners it’s now down to 34 as part of a number of measures designed to make the race safer.

Keady said: “It’s very exciting. I’ve not been training very long so it’s a privilege to have a Grand National horse in the yard.

“We have had seven winners so far including a couple of doubles which has helped raise the profile.

“We are Flat-focussed but it’s nice to have a decent jumper in the yard as well.

“Even though I am more of a Flat trainer, the question I get asked most is ‘Have you ever had a runner in the Grand National?’ by people outside of racing.

“So it’s a dream to have a horse in contention.”

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