Girl power rules in Irish National
WALSH AND HUGHES SEAL MAGICAL WIN
KATIE WALSH became only the third female jockey to win the irish grand National as she delivered Thunder And roses with perfect timing after the final fence to beat rule The World by four-and-aquarter lengths.
On a day for girl power at Fairyhouse, the 20-1 winner gave trainer Sandra Hughes her biggest win since taking charge of her stable following the death of father Dessie in November.
Walsh joins Ann Ferris, who won the 1984 National on Ben-tom Boy, and sister-in-law Nina Carberry, successful on Organisedconfusion in 2011, on the irish National roll of honour.
The 30-year- old amateur jockey also added to her family’s strong links with the race as brother ruby has won the race twice — in 2005 on Numbersixvalverde five years after landing the prize on Commanche Court, trained by his father Ted.
However, the most important race in the irish jumps calendar ended in disappointment for AP McCoy.
The retiring 19-time champion jockey finished sixth on Cantlow, who made a series of jumping errors and was struggling four fences from the finish. McCoy had hoped for a dream start to what could be his final week as a jockey.
He has vowed to bring forward his retirement and quit immediately if he wins the Crabbie’s grand National on favourite Shuthefrontdoor at Aintree on Saturday.
McCoy said: ‘ i thought Cantlow had a chance turning in, but the ground got the better of him as it was a little bit tacky. it was great a great result for Sandra Hughes and Katie Walsh — brilliant.’ reflecting on her success, Katie said: ‘ This is absolutely class. i’ve had some fantastic days, but this is an irish National.
‘They stopped in front and he kept going. it’s great for women in racing.’
The win was emotional for Hughes, who took over the training licence following the death of her father. Dessie trained 2003 irish grand National winner Timbera.
She said: ‘Someone above was helping us out. Dad always loved this race and to do it for him is wonderful.’