GORDON ELLIOTT had super jockey J J Slevin to thank as he bagged his first Irish Grand National with General Principle.
In a race full of incidents, Slevin somehow managed to guide the nine-year-old through the chaos.
However, coming to the last fence, Bellshill looked to have the race wrapped up for Elliott’s rival Willie Mullins.
He was cantering over his rivals but suddenly looked to run out at the last, somehow getting over the obstacle but losing his chance and hampering a few of the field including Folsom Blue.
That left Isleofhopendreams with a clear run up the rail, but General Principle finished strongly under Slevin to catch him close home.
Folsom Blue was without a doubt the unlucky loser as he finished like a train for fifth having been seriously hampered at the last.
Bellshill was later demoted to fifth with Folsom Blue promoted to fourth following the interference.
Slevin said: “I was doing my own thing, following the boys away.
“There looked to be plenty of carnage at the last fence – I think Bellshill nearly landed on it – and I was just trying to keep my horse going. He galloped away for me.
“I got a good run and got plenty of light. I left him popping away and kept saving.
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“It’s unbelievable. As a young lad you dream of riding in these kind of races and to win it hasn’t really sunk in yet.
“I owe Gordon a lot. He’s a great man and I owe him an awful lot.”
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