1st, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 3rd, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 1st – the last 26 hurdles races of Caislean Fifi.
The Grand National Trophy – first contested in 1927 Photo: © Steve Nash
Though by far the most significant is the last – victory in the Cearnsport Grand National at Central Park.
Seamus Cahill’s blue trapped well alongside Turnhouse Jet (T5) and Emiles Eske (T3) and they crossed the sectional within one spot of each other.
As in the semis, Caislean Fifi was jumping bolder than Jet and moved into clear second place.
Jim Reynold’s Eske led into the back straight but the powerful Caislean Fifi hit the front and then pulled away to win by nearly five lengths in 29.30 (N).
Seamus Cahill’s Grand National Role of Honour
| 2019 | CAISLEANS FIFI | (Superior Product-Ballyregan Fifi) | Cen.Pk | 29.30 |
| 2016 | BALLYMAC MANIX | (Ballymac Vic-Moyar Kate) | Cen.Pk | 29.32 |
| 2013 | MASH MAD SNOWY | (Droopys Maldini-Shades Of Gold) | Cen.Pk | 29.31 |
| 2009 | HOTDOG JACK | (Droopys Vieri-Hare Star) | Wimb. | 28.49 |
Second favourite Mane Mane trapped slowly, moved powerfully into third place along the backstraight but went lame when challenging at the third bend.
The prognosis was not good on Monday morning
Trainer Ernie Gaskin said: “I am at the vets’ now and he is being operated on. Unfortunately, as far as any further racing is concerned, it doesn’t look good.
“He almost certainly broke his hock at the third bend and then of course had three more hurdles to jump and that is what has done the damage. It is sad, but just sheer bad luck.”
Cearnsport Grand National presentation, (R-L), by Central Park’s Barry Stanton to Caislean Fifi’s kennel connections – Andy Mullen, Steve Bate, Teresa and Seamus Cahill, and Barry Sustins. Photo: © Steve Nash – (Seamus has just realised that he has another trophy to polish – Ed)
