General Principle gives Elliott first Irish National win

DUBLIN: Gordon Elliott’s decision to run 13 horses in the Irish Grand National paid off as General Principle won a thriller at Fairyhouse and almost certainly assured him of the trainer’s championship. General Principle gave Elliott his first winner in the race and significantly boosted his prize-money lead over rival Willie Mullins by collecting 270,000 euros (£236,000, $331,000) for owner, Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary. Mullins — who has yet to win the race — didn’t go away empty-handed as his Isleofhopendreams took second. Forever Gold was third and Elliott secured fourth with Folsom Gold when Bellshill, another Mullins horse, was demoted to fifth after a stewards enquiry. Bellshill had put in a bold front-running performance under David Mullins but he ran out of gas just before the final fence and although he climbed over it, was a spent force. Isleofhopendreams appeared to have taken up the Mullins baton but JJ Slevin came late with General Principle, who was fifth last year, to take the honours at the generous odds of 20/1 after a photo finish.