Irish National dream for Fahey

He'llberemembered could now target the Irish Grand National

Paul Fahey is considering a tilt at the Irish Grand National with He'llberemembered after he emerged triumphant in a thrilling finish to the Carrickmines Handicap Chase at Leopardstown.

Second behind the classy Mikael D'Haguenet at Thurles in January, the 10-year-old was allowed to go off at 10-1 switched to handicap company for the first time over fences, with regular rider and conditional jockey Shane Butler doing the steering.

He led a group of four horses in with a real chance of victory after jumping the final fence, and pulled out all the stops to pass the post in front. Pineau De Re was three-quarters of a length away in second, with Spring Heeled and Please Talk close up in third and fourth.

As well as training a small string of horses himself, Fahey is the farrier for champion trainer Willie Mullins.

Fahey said: "In fairness I'm not a trainer so imagine what he'd do if a trainer had him! He's been knocking on the door in good handicap hurdles and deserved his chance. The plan was always to come here because all the better horses are going to Cheltenham.

"There are good handicaps this and next weekend and we've also been toying with idea of the Irish National - we'll make an entry and hopefully the handicapper won't be too harsh on him. If we got the right weight we might take our chance in it.

"I can't celebrate too much as Willie will be looking for plates to be put on in the morning!"

Paul Townend suffered a fall from King Of The Refs and was stood down for the rest of the day. He left the course in a sling heading for an x-ray.