YOU could have called Burrows Saint as the most likely winner of Monday’s BoyleSports Irish Grand National from a long way out. Even when Whisperinthebreeze went clear across the top of the track, you could see that Ruby Walsh was motionless in behind, apparently unperturbed. His mind was probably racing, but his body was still. Everything easy and efficient. Make haste slowly.

Of course, Burrows Saint had to see it out. He had never been beyond three miles before in his life, and there was a point at which Isleofhopendreams mounted a challenge. But, in truth, it never really looked like the gallant 12-year-old would catch his stable companion. Second for the second time.

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It must have been easy viewing for Willie Mullins. His horses assembled in formation in behind the leader, a Closutton cavalry preparing to charge. Burrows Saint, Acapella Bourgeois, Bellow Mome and Isleofhopendreams, second, third, fourth and fifth. And when they reeled the leader in, the champion trainer knew that he would win the Irish Grand National. It must have been a weird and wonderful feeling, knowing that you are going to win the Irish Grand National from the top of the home straight.

And just as it was with the Cheltenham Gold Cup five and a half weeks previously, it is correct that Willie Mullins has won the Irish Grand National. It wouldn’t have been right if he hadn’t. And it was emphatic, it was a one-two-three, headed by a young horse who could go even higher.