Butler delivers

Eleven attempts at the most famous steeplechase in the world have all ended in failure and, despite breaking records on almost an annual basis, the only National to McCoy's name is Belmont King, winner of the 1997 Scottish equivalent on a rare ride for trainer Paul Nicholls. But he will tackle after a clean leap at the final fence.

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Lucky seven: Butler's Cabin and Tony McCoy on their way to victory at Fairyhouse

Saturday's race on JP McManus-owned L'ami in buoyant mood after his win on Butler's Cabin in the same green and gold silks.

As at Cheltenham, where Butler's Cabin won the four-mile National Hunt Chase under amateur Alan Berry, the gelding again finished distressed and had to be given oxygen yards after passing the line.

The seven-year-old soon recovered, however, although unable to enter the winner's enclosure to be greeted by triumphant trainer Jonjo O'Neill.

Butler's Cabin had a length to spare over another British raider, Ferdy Murphy's Nine de Sivola, who had travelled well under Graham Lee. Nine de Sivola had fallen three out when going well in Butler's Cabin's Cheltenham Festival win.

As well as winning almost 150,000 euros for finishing first, 14-1 shot Butler's Cabin picked up a 100,000 euro bonus from sponsors Powers Whiskey for adding the National to his Festival victory.

He is the first chaser to complete the meeting double since Omerta won the 1991 race on the back of his win in the Kim Muir Chase.

McCoy had made stealthy progress on Butler's Cabin to lead at the last. He is entered in the Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown on April 28 but is not certain to run.

McCoy said: "Any horse that can win over four miles at Cheltenham and then win an Irish National is obviously very special. I'm pleased for JP. I don't seem to win enough big races for him."

McCoy and McManus suffered a blow last week when Grand National hope Far From Trouble had to be put down.

McCoy added: "I'm still gutted about Far From Trouble. To lose him was terrible for everyone."

The four fallers yesterday included Cheeky Lady, who broke her back and had to be destroyed, A New Story and Cloudy Lane, who was brought down. The latter's jockey Tony Dobbin badly bruised and suffered soft tissue damage to his right arm. But, despite escaping a fracture, he faces a race to be fit for his National ride on Longshanks.

If Dobbin also misses the fancied Aintree bumper rides on Alan Swinbank's pair Turbo Linn and Theatrical Moment, ex-Flat champion Jamie Spencer could replace him.