Completing a thrilling race, the outstanding Intense Raffles held at bay the rapidly looming Any Second Now while carrying on his remarkable record at Fairyhouse, in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National’s latest contest. After 12 years since his victory with Lion Na Bearnai, trainer Thomas Gibney made a triumphant comeback, courtesy of the French runner, imported by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, who has achieved unrivalled success at Fairyhouse following his continental relocation.
The previous victories were realised under the helming of the currently incapacitated Daryl Jacob. However, Jacob’s unfortunate circumstances stood as an opportunity for JJ Slevin, who benefited from the chance to not only step in, but also record his second triumph in the Easter Monday highlight. In partnership with the gritty gray, Slevin demonstrated his brilliance in a round of faultless jumping and exhibited the horse’s unique qualities.
Resolutely maintaining the pace set by Frontal Assault, Slevin ensured that even a blunder with four fences remaining could not disrupt the momentum of the six-year-old horse, Intense Raffles’ ascent to the forefront of the race appeared effortless.
Seizing the lead after the second last hurdle, Slevin managed to assume control and, despite a close-run finish, courageously held off challengers Ted Walsh’s veteran and Willie Mullins’s Minella Cocooner, who were rapidly closing the gap.
Gibney wholeheartedly praised the horse, revealing that his confidence was unequivocally stemming from its remarkable ability. He also appreciated the owners, Munir and Souede, for their decision to engage his modest-sized stable, an unconventional choice for such major owners. Gibney expressed gratitude for the chance to reward their faith in him, while modestly undermining his role in the outstanding result. Gibney emphasized his belief that Intense Raffles is the best horse he’s ever trained.
“He is an exceptional steed. When you mount such a creature, you just sense its superiority over all the rest. Almost every day I’m on him, that is the feeling he instills in me.
At only six years of age, his potential is all but limitless. My victory in 2012 was surreal, but today’s win felt different due to immense expectations and pressure.
I owe a huge amount of gratitude to our dedicated team, comprised of my family-my wife, daughters-and our local crew. They are all exceptional and the success is as important to them as it is to me.
Receiving such emotional responses, I feel as if it’s my wedding day! Being a native of Meath, to achieve such a feat not once, but twice, is utterly incredible.
Our two gentlemen [Munir and Souede] were airborne at the time; they intended to witness the event. I do sincerely hope they were able to.”