Monty’s Pass, the winner of the 2003 Grand National for trainer Jimmy Mangan and jockey Barry Geraghty, sadly passed away last week at the age of 29 and 888sport, who sponsor Geraghty, have created this tribute video.
The video was filmed back in September at Mangan's yard in Conna, County Cork and the plan was to release the footage in April ahead of the Grand National to mark 20 years since Monty Pass' Aintree victory.
Hosted by Jimmy’s daughter and leading broadcaster Jane [Mangan] who was just eight years old on the day back in 2003, her father and Barry took a look back on the early days of Monty’s career before discussing the long-term plan to have him ready for the 2003 Grand National and the race itself.
READ MORE: Paul Morris becomes Wexford's latest retiree
After finishing second in the Topham Chase the previous year, Jimmy Mangan hatched a plan for a return to glory at Aintree 12 months later, and in doing so land a huge punt for the syndicate that owned him.
Jimmy recalled: “We went over for the Topham [in 2002] and he ran a brilliant race to finish second. That day I said to the lads from Belfast that we were coming back next year for the big one. I campaigned him over hurdles and got him ready for the big day.”
Asked when he had a feeling they were going to win, Jimmy said: “At the Canal Turn, four went clear of the field and Barry had his rear end cocked up in the air. I said: ‘we are going well!’”
Barry said: “As a child, from age dot, you dream of winning the Grand National.
"There are all these big battles you would have had in your mind, but I couldn’t believe it – I’m winning the Grand National and it’s in slow motion.
“I have all the time in the world.
"I saluted the crowd with I’d say 200 yards to go. It was unbelievable how easy it was for him, but he made it so easy because he was so good.
“He was just dynamite. I never rode a horse as clever over fences. That’s what set him apart.”
READ NEXT:
Ulster star John Cooney considering switching allegiance to Scotland from Ireland
Leave it to Mr O'Brien - Jimmy the man for the job for Ireland as he looks to build on Autumn series
Greta Streimikyte using Ciara Mageean as inspiration ahead of 2024 Paris Paralympics
Paris Olympics 2024 ticket information and more as worldwide lottery begins
Tiger Woods back Rory McIlroy calls for Greg Norman to leave LIV
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
