SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR

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This good-looking gelding by Accordion out of a Strong Gale mare made outstanding progress in his first season over fences, finishing sixth in the National Hunt Chase when partnered by Nina Carberry at the 2014 Festival.

​First time up in a Handicap Chase, Shutthefrontdoor was the mount of Barry Geraghty in the Boylesports Irish Grand National as AP was suspended. They travelled well throughout and took it up in a driving finish on the run to the line to win by ¾ length. It was a special day for the jockey, who lives only a mile from the course and was winning the race for the first time.

For Jonjo, this was his second win in the race, coming 15 years after Butler’s Cabin. “He was in a great position all the way and jumped really well. Everything went right for him. He has done nothing wrong all season. He had a great run at Cheltenham and after that we thought this was the race for him. Plan B didn't work out too badly!”

In the 2014-15 season, he had just the one run - winning nicely at Carlisle - before carrying the hopes of several nations as AP's final ride in the Crabbie's Grand National.  For the best part of four miles, that dream looked a distinct possibility and crossing the Melling Road, they appeared to be the only danger to Many Clouds.  Sadly, it was not to be and, what would otherwise have been a progressive result in fifth place, proved a disappointment.  

The following season proved the Aintree Grand National is just beyond his scope, this time finishing 9th. For much of the 2016 -17, Shutthefrontdoor has shown little of his earlier from and after another tilt at the 2017 Irish Grand National, he was later retired to Martinstown.