Listowel wrap: National designs for Desertmore House

Second reserve Desertmore House (11-1) proved stoutest at the finish under jockey Ricky Doyle to run out a ready winner of the €200,000 Guinness Kerry National, the showpiece event of the Harvest Festival at Listowel.

Ridden fairly prominently throughout, the eight-year-old was off the bridle and looked to have work to do among a group of five that went clear on the turn for home but Desertmore House responded generously in the straight to overhaul the strong-travelling Salvador Ziggy (11-2F) by nearly four lengths, with long-time leader Foxy Jacks (40-1) sticking on for third and by a nose from Galway Plate runner-up Authorized Art (12-1) in fourth.

Doyle punched the air on crossing the line as the Irish Grand National-winning jockey landed this huge prize in the silks of Bernard Carroll, owner of the Aintree and Irish Grand National winner Numbersixvalverde who was similarly trained by Martin Brassil.

"That was a great performance," the trainer told Gary O'Brien on Racing TV. "He's always shown us that he's a very sound jumper and he seems to have endless stamina.

"I happened a bit quick for him at Galway but he learned a lot from it. He came back to Kilbeggan and won and since then at home it's like he's after growing another hand - he's just in great form with himself."

Desertmore House was Brassil's first runner in the Listowel showpiece, but the trainer wasn't expecting that to be the case this morning.

"I was probably resogned to the fact that he wasn't going to get into the race," Brassil said on his second reserve, "and thankfully Gordon [Elliott] rang me this morning and let me know that he had one out [Ash Tree Meadow] and the possibility of a second one and that I should load up and head on down."

Brassil admitted that he thought this prestigious event might prove a little too deep for Desertmore House - at least this stage - and connections can now look to the future with stronger conviction.

"I know he handled that ground today but he probably deserves a little short break.

"I had thought of the possibility of the Paddy Power [at Leopardstown] at Christmas where you get a bit of nice ground and sure, after that, we could be thinking of an Irish National - novices have a reasonably good record in it."

A delighted Ricky Doyle desribed riding this big winner for Brassil as "a dream come true" after Guinness Kerry National glory.

"He is no better man to have on your side," said the jockey.

"I grew up with Martin's son Conor, I've been in their house nince maybe the age of 10 or so and growing up watching Martin train all of these winners, so to be a pert of it is great."

On potential National aspirations for the big-race winner, Doyle added: "He's on the right path anyway.

"I led up Mumbersixvalverde in the champions parade when i was a gossoon, so to have these colours on is great.

"The way he jumps and the way he finishes out his races, he ticks all the boxes really I think. He's very relaxed in his race and uses his jumping to hold his position."

Doyle memorably landed the Irish Grand National aboard 150-1 chance Freewheelin Dylan back in 2021 and this success meant plenty.

"Obviously that was during Covid and, as great as it was, it kind of went by me so quickly as so much was happening in the world.

"I'll definitely remwember this for a long time."