Mullingar-bred gelding winner of American Grand National

A horse bred in Mullingar was winner of the American Grand National at the weekend.

Western Fold, which was trained by Gordon Elliott, was bred by the late Martin Dibbs from Mullingar.

The seven-year old gelding claimed the top prize – $189,000 – after beating the second-placed horse, Fil Dor, by a head. Fil Dor was formerly trained by Elliott and is now based in the states.

For Elliott, it was a third-time success at the American Grand National. His previous winners were Jury Duty in 2018 and Zanahiyr in 2025. Zanahiyr finished third on Saturday.

The horse was ridden by Jack Kennedy, from Dingle, Gordon Elliott’s principal stable jockey.

Martin Dibbs, who was based at Clinton House Stud in Mullingar, had a number of notable successes to his credit, over his lifetime, including that of having been the breeder of Comply Or Die, winner of the Aintree Grand National in 2008. Mr Dibbs died on July 1, 2024.

Western Fold was by Westerner out of Fieldtown, a mare by Anshan. Dibbs was also breeder of Fieldtown, whose offspring include other winners. Last year, Western Fold was winner of the Galway Plate. “It was a big pot. It is nice to be winning those races,” Kennedy said on Racing TV at the weekend.

“It is a big meeting, maybe 30,000 people there having picnics from their cars. It is different but it is a great atmosphere and experience. The jumps in the Grand National are slightly bigger than our hurdles but smaller than a fence.

“The ground wasn’t as quick as it can often be over there. My lad was headed with about 100 yards to go but he battled back, to be fair to him. We had plenty of support there and I think everyone had a good time.”