Thrilling action at the Aintree Grand National Festival with three Grade 1 wins for Tattersalls Ireland graduates

The Aintree Grand National provided thrilling action across the three days with Tattersalls Ireland graduates producing stellar performances, headlined by three Grade 1 winners and Minella Times foot perfect performance in the Randox Grand National. 

There was incredible scenes at Aintree on Saturday as Rachael Blackmore made history becoming the first female jockey to win the Randox Grand National on board the November NH Sale graduate Minella Times. The pair put in a faultless jumping display over the National fences and powered clear to win for Henry De Bromhead and JP McManus. 

Minella Times was sold as a foal by Quill Farm from Lewinstown Farm to John Nallen at the 2013 November NH Sale for €31,000. John Nallen purchased 10 foals at the 2013 sale, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup Winner Minella Indo. 

There were more Grade 1 wins for Derby Sale graduates as Shishkin remains unbeaten over fences when winning the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase under Nico De Boinville for Nicky Henderson and the Donnelly’s.

He was sold at the Derby Sale for €28,000 by Goldford Stud to Boyne Farm, also sold as a foal at the November NH Sale by Rathbarry Stud to Ben Case. Also sold at the Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale for £170,000 by Virginia Considine to Highflyer Bloodstock.

Belfast Banter took the step up to Grade 1 company in his stride when winning the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle under Kevin Sexton for Peter Fahey and Direct Bloodstock ltd.

He was sold as a foal at the November NH Sale for €10,000 by Old Town Stud to Timmy Hillman. Also sold at the Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale for £30,000 by Kingsfield Stud to the owner.

Chantry House claimed his second Grade 1 victory this year when winning the Grade 1 Milmay Novices’ Chase under Nico De Boinville for Nicky Henderson and JP McManus.

He was sold at the August NH Sale for €26,000 by Mount Brown Farm to E A Elliot, also sold at the November NH Sale by Evergreen Stud to John O’Brien. Also sold at the Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale for £295,000 by CH Thoroughbreds to Michael Hyde.

Knappers Hill stayed on well in the closing stages to land the Grade Two bumper finale at Aintree under Megan Nicholls for Paul Nicholls, Mr Barber and Mr Vogt.

He was sold as a foal at the November NH Sale for €20,000 by Ronnie O’Neill to M Walsh.

May Store Sale graduate Hometown Boy recovered well from a blunder at the last to win the Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle under Ciaran Gethings for Stuart Edmonds and The Garratt Family.

He was sold at the May Store Sale for €15,500 by Hillhead Stables to Monbeg Stables, also sold at the November NH Sale for €3,500 by Woodfield Farm Stud.

Livelovelaugh cruised to victory in the Randox Topham Chase under Patrick Mullins for Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci.

He was sold as a foal at the November NH Sale for €8,500 by Flemingtown Stables to Mark O’Hare.