After passing the winning post in front aboard Lord Lariat, Paddy O’Hanlon could hardly believe what was after happening. The Glasnevin jockey made sure to soak up everything as he and Lord Lariot made their way to the number 1 spot.

“I remember every bit of it. People say that it flashes by. There is actually very little of it that I don’t remember. Katie Walsh came up to me immediately after the line, I had to tell her to give me a minute just so I could grasp what had happened. I can tell you that Tina Turner was playing on the speakers. I remember poking fun at Pat Coyle, the huntsman, alongside me.

“There were little increments throughout that gave me a chance to take everything in. I didn’t want to get down off the horse. It was incredible. If you could bottle that feeling, you’d be a rich man.”

Many would have believed that Lord Lariat would follow the usual progression of Irish National winners and tackle the Aintree equivalent this season. However, McLoughlin, O’Hanlon and connections have decided to return to Fairyhouse to defend their crown.

“He is definitely well suited to Fairyhouse, maybe more so than Aintree. He’s very good at getting into a good rhythm. That’s vital. In a race like the Irish Grand National, your race is quickly over if you are not in a good rhythm by the time you reach Ballyhack. Last year, I couldn’t get over how easy it was to just get him settled in a nice position and take it from there. I suppose the owners [Pat Blake and PJ Casey] and Dermot have a big connection to Fairyhouse. That would have played its part in the decision. We are happy enough to be going back there to try and defend the crown.”

O’Hanlon is confident that Lord Lariat will not give up his title too easily. It is clear that he would not give up the ride for any other horse and can’t wait to go to battle with Lord Lariat once more.

“I’m confident, probably more hopeful than confident. It is a bit of a lottery at the end of the day. I suppose everyone has some level of confidence in their own horse but I wouldn’t choose any other horse over our lad.”

O’Hanlon’s boss Dermot McLoughlinhas one horse at Fairyhouse in particular, outside of Lord Lariat, that he fancies

“Dovlator goes for the novice handicap hurdle (2.00) on the Sunday. He didn’t show his true colours on his last outing and if he bounces back he would have to have a great chance.”