Athlone Jockey Kielan Woods Triumphs at Aintree Grand National Festival

Irish jockey Kielan Woods secured a victory at Aintree's Grand National festival, partnering Diva Luna to success in the Grade 2 Mares Bumper. Woods described the win as "unbelievable" and praised the mare's professionalism throughout the race. Despite facing challenges this season, including a ban and a close defeat at Cheltenham, Woods has demonstrated his resilience and will continue his rides at Aintree, though not participating in Saturday's Grand National race.

Athlone Jockey Kielan Woods Triumphs at Aintree Grand National Festival

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, amidst the fanfare of the renowned Aintree Grand National Festival, Athlone jockey Kielan Woods etched his name into the annals of horse racing history. Partnering with the formidable Diva Luna, Woods navigated the Grade 2 Mares Bumper at the iconic Liverpool track with unwavering skill and determination, securing a remarkable victory.

The Aintree festival marks the pinnacle of the National Hunt racing calendar, a three-day extravaganza culminating in the prestigious Randox Grand National on Saturday. Thursday's meeting, the opening day, witnessed an exhilarating display of equine prowess, with Diva Luna, trained by the esteemed Ben Pauling, taking center stage in the Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race.

From the outset, Diva Luna asserted her dominance, leading the pack with unwavering resolve. Her five-year-old frame surged forward, gliding effortlessly over the demanding course. As the field approached the final furlongs, Woods, with his signature finesse, urged Diva Luna to unleash her latent power. The mare responded with an electrifying burst of speed, crossing the finish line with an emphatic margin of three and a half lengths.

In the aftermath of his triumph, an elated Woods shared his emotions with Racing TV, describing the victory as "absolutely unbelievable." He lauded Diva Luna's exceptional performance, attributing her success to her unwavering professionalism throughout the race.

"She was so professional today," Woods remarked. "It's an incredible feeling to have won at Aintree, especially in such a prestigious race."

Woods' journey to victory has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Earlier this season, he faced a high-profile ban for breaching whip rules, a setback that tested his resilience. Additionally, at the Cheltenham Festival, he narrowly missed out on victory aboard The Jukebox Man in the Albert Bartlett Hurdle, a cruel twist of fate that could have easily dampened his spirits.

"It's been a tough year for me through nobody's fault but my own," Woods acknowledged. "But I've learned from my mistakes, and I'm determined to come back stronger."

Despite his challenges, Woods remains resolute in his pursuit of excellence. He has several more rides scheduled at Aintree today, showcasing his versatility and unwavering spirit. However, he will not participate in the Grand National card on Saturday, leaving the door open for other jockeys to etch their names into racing folklore.