Ruby Walsh - Grand National Winning Jockey Ruby Walsh /in Jockeys , National Legends /by Simone Wright Ruby Walsh is one of the most famous and successful jockeys in the world. Son of the former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh, Ruby Walsh won his first Irish amateur title in 1996/7 at just 18 yers of age and then again in 1997/8, before turning professional. At just 20 years old he rode to victory in the Aintree Grand National in 2000 at his first attempt, on Papillon, a horse trained by his father. Father and son then went on to win the Irish Grand National with Commanche Court the same year. In the 2004/5 season Walsh won three of the four Nationals: the Irish on the 2006 Grand National winner, Numbersixvalverde , the Welsh on subsequent 2007 Grand National winner Silver Birch , and the English on Hedgehunter.

To date Walsh has ridden over nineteen hundred winners including 37 winners at the Cheltenham Festival since his first win in 1998 on Alexander Banquet including the 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup on the favourite, Kauto Star and a second Queen Mother success in 2008 on the brilliant five-year-old Master Minded as well as a treble on opening day of the 2013 Festival. In 2007, Walsh won the inaugural British Horseracing Board Jockeys’ Order of Merit award. He was also Champion jockey at the 2010 Cheltenham festival though had disappointing rides on bookie favourites Big Bucks and Kauto Star and in March 2011, Walsh rode Hurricane Fly to victory in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, finishing ahead of Peddlers Cross and Oscar Whisky. It was Walsh’s first victory in the feature race of the opening day at the Cheltenham Festival.

Walsh has ridden in 10 Grand Nationals with two wins under belt but 2012 was yet another disappointment as history appeared to repeat itself and, as in 2010, Walsh was injured in the same earlier race on the day when he fell from Zarkandar and could not compete in the National on On His Own who fell at fence 22 when ridden by replacement jockey Paul Townend who was moved from The Midnight Club. Hoping that more luck was on his side in 2013, Walsh renewed his partnership with the Willie Mullins and Graham Wylie owned On His Own but it was not to be and he fell at Valentine’s on the second circuit. At the 2014 Cheltenham Festival he won the opening race and followed it up with more wins as the week progressed before falling midway through the JCB Triumph Hurdle and was then hit by Adriana Des Mottes. That resulted in a compound fracture to his arm and he will not be able to race in the 2014 Grand National.

FOLLOW RUBY ON TWITTER 2000 Grand National Results 2000 Grand National Results /in Featured Past Races , Past Race Results /by Simone Wright The 2000 Grand National was an all Irish affair with Jockey Ruby Walsh riding to victory on Irish chaser Papillon. Papillon became the second consecutive Irish horse to win following Bobbyjo’s success last year. Walsh and his father, trainer Ted Walsh, repeated the father and son victory enjoyed by Paul and Tommy Carberry the previous year. 10/1 shot Papillon, won by a distance of one and a quarter lengths, in a time of 9 minutes, 9.7 seconds. Seventeen horses, from a maximum field of forty completed the course, with no injuries reported. The front runner for much of the race was Star Traveller, the mount of Richard Johnson. He was sent off at 10/1 but was pulled up after going lame at the 25th fence. The previous year’s winning duo of Bobbyjo ridden by Paul Carberry were a popular choice with the public starting at 12/1.

After featuring prominently in the early stages of the race, he made a bad mistake at the seventh fence and finished eleventh. Champion jockey Tony McCoy, rode Dark Stranger, the 9/1 favourite who dashed the backer’s hopes by crashing out at the third fence. The 9 year old Papillon took the lead three fences from home and managed to hold off a threat from Mely Moss ridden by Norman Williamson. He hung on grimly and had the better of the last two fences to win by one and a quarter lengths from Mely Moss with Niki Dee 3rd and Brave Highlander 4th. Ruby Walsh, the then 20 year old jockey, won on his debut ride at the Grand National collecting the winner’s purse of £290,000. The BBC broadcast the race for the 41st consecutive year and Sue Barker made her debut as the anchor presenter, the first women to host the Grand National broadcast.

Finishing Order Grand National 2014: Katie Walsh given late Aintree ride - BBC Sport BBC Sport Grand National 2014: Katie Walsh given late Aintree ride 5 Apr 2014 From the section Horse Racing Share this page 16:15 BST, Saturday, 5 April Coverage: Big-race commentaries on BBC Radio 5 live. Programme from Aintree on Grand National day; live text commentary on BBC Sport website Katie Walsh, the most successful female jockey in Grand National history, has secured a ride for Saturday's race at Aintree. Walsh will be the only woman jockey in the 167th edition of the National. Bookmakers suggest half the UK adult population will bet on the race, collectively staking about £250m. Aintree Analysis Katie is a respected amateur jockey, and her ride on Vesper Bell will be her third in the race. Both previous times she was riding the favourite - Seabass - for her trainer father Ted. Seabass was 8-1 joint market leader two years ago and came third. Last year, when an 11-2 clear favourite, he only finished 13th.

Vesper Bell, trained by Willie Mullins, was around a 66-1 shot on Saturday before news emerged that Walsh had been named as a replacement for Fogarty, who suffered a back injury in a fall at the Merseyside track on Friday. In December, the eight-year-old horse fell in the Becher Chase over the National fences. But Walsh - daughter of trainer Ted and sister of fellow Irish jockey Ruby, who won the National on Papillon for their dad in 2000 and who misses this year's race after being injured at last month's Cheltenham Festival - was confident of doing well. She told Channel 4's The Morning Line: "I'm looking forward to it, it's great to be part of it. "He's run well around Punchestown [in Ireland] a couple of times, he's a big, scopey horse who stays well and I'm looking forward to the ride." Irish champion trainer Mullins also saddles Prince De Beauchene (around 20-1), the mount of Paul Townend. On Friday, Mullins saw Boston Bob become his first winner at a Grand National meeting since Hedgehunter's victory in the famous steeplechase nine years ago.

"Vesper Bell is a 66-1 shot who fell here last year in the autumn," he said. "But the horse is a great jumper and stays. He did his best bit of work the other day." Share this page Ruby Walsh to ride My Will in Grand National | Sport | The Guardian Ruby Walsh to ride My Will in Grand National • Jockey confirmed ride this morning • Elects to ride My Will over Southern Vic Ruby Walsh will be riding one of the favourites at the Grand National this year. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images Monday 30 March 2009 08.37 EDT First published on Monday 30 March 2009 08.37 EDT Close This article is 7 years old The jockey Ruby Walsh, who is chasing his third Grand National victory, has revealed exclusively to the Guardian this morning that he will ride My Will at Aintree on Saturday. "I've had a fair few sleepless nights over this one but I've finally decided to go with My Will," Walsh said. "Last week I was trying to pick my way through seven possible rides because, at the National, so much depends on the weather and the going.

"I've been watching the weather forecast closely and it looks like it's going to be pretty good. So I've gone for My Will." The Paul Nicholls-trained horse finished fifth in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham earlier this month, which Walsh won on Kauto Star, and the jockey was impressed by that strong run. "My Will is a good horse in good form. He's brave and tough and he'll never let you down. When I won my first National in 2000, on Papillon, my dad [Ted Walsh] said if the horse had been a man he'd have been one of those flash bastards who walks round with his shirt open, showing off his chest hair and his gold chains. "My dad trained Papillon so he knew what he was talking about. But My Will is more down to earth. He reminds me of a hard-working midfielder who grafts away without catching the headlines. The National might change that." Walsh confirmed that if heavy rain had been forecast he would almost certainly have tried to repeat history by riding another of his father's horses, Southern Vic, to victory on Saturday. "My dad has got Southern Vic in great condition and he would be the one I'd pick if it rained a lot.

He's the only horse I had under 11 stone and racing four-and-a-half miles in soft going would suit him best. In normal conditions I'm looking at My Will, Big Fella Thanks, Snowy Morning and a few others – but I've chosen My Will." As the current favourite My Will should be even more heavily backed following Walsh's decision. The jockey's remarkable performance at the Cheltenham Festival, when he won a record-breaking seven races, is still fresh in his mind. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime achievement," Walsh said, "but the National is very different. In a race like the Gold Cup the best horse almost always wins. But the National is a lottery. "No matter how confident and focused you are, no matter how good a ride you give your horse, you still need so much luck. You can be going beautifully but, because it's a handicap with 40 horses, bad luck can just bite you on the arse. "It is a prestige race and the public love it – but it boils down to luck in the end.

Maybe I've had my best piece of luck in choosing to ride My Will." BBC SPORT | JOCKEY PROFILES | Ruby Walsh 2000-2001 wins (Ire): 85 1999-2000 wins (Ire): 24 Ruby Walsh is one of the rising stars of horse racing and the Grand National in particular. From two outings in the Aintree marathon, he boasts a first and fourth place to his name in partnership with Papillon. Papillon, trained by Walsh's father Ted, landed a monster public gamble in 2000. And last year, despite falling, the jockey remounted to guide the 10-year-old home and into the places. At the age of only 18, Walsh emulated his Dad in winning the Irish amateur title - a crown his father won 11 times - before turning professional. In his debut season of 1998-99, he coasted to the Irish championship with 96 winners. But for injuries - a broken collarbone and a twice broken leg - another title would have been his the following year.

The win on Papillon came after he rode his first Cheltenham Festival winner, Alexander Banquet in the Champion Bumper. Another victory followed at the Irish National in partnership with Commanche Court, whom he partnered to second place in the 2002 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Last year, Walsh regained his Irish title with 84 winners. Bindaree's triumph Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to the Aintree runners and riders - BBC Sport BBC Sport Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to the Aintree runners and riders By Frank Keogh From the section Horse Racing Share this page 16:15 BST Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, online and mobile devices. Live text commentary on BBC Sport website. Channel 4 TV BBC Sport's Frank Keogh's verdict: "The Package came unstuck in the race four years ago but is older and wiser, with a top team. Teaforthree is strongly fancied to make the frame." 1. The Package, 2. Lion Na Bearnai, 3. Teaforthree, 4. Double Seven, 5.

The Rainbow Hunter (Number, form, name, age, weight, trainer, jockey) 1 121-1532 TIDAL BAY (IRE) 13 11-10 Paul Nicholls Sam Twiston-Davies Veteran still thriving at the grand old age of 13 under the astute care of eight-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls. Primed for a bold bid, although no top weight has won since Red Rum in the 1970s, and would be oldest winner for nearly a century. His 21-year-old jockey, whose father trained two National winners - Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002) - is a rising star who was aged just 14 when Tidal Bay won his first race in 2006. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 2 132-54U1 LONG RUN (FR) 9 11-09 Nicky Henderson Sam Waley-Cohen Born 5 April, 2005.

Defeated equine greats Denman and Kauto Star when winning 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup but patchy form this season. Horse owned by father of the jockey, who is an amateur but has best record over National fences of any in race - having won other contests four times, plus a second, fourth and fifth in the big race. A friend of Kate Middleton, he has initials etched in saddle in memory of brother Tom, who died aged 20 from cancer. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 16-1 3 13-606034 HUNT BALL (IRE) 9 11-07 Nicky Henderson Andrew Tinkler Champion trainer still seeking first Grand National win. Was most improved horse in training three seasons ago and won at Cheltenham Festival for former trainer Kieran Burke but colourful ex-owner Anthony Knott later caused controversy when running the horse with a bookmaker's sign stencilled on his behind. Later sold to America, and has shaped promisingly on return to UK although stable jockey has picked Triolo D'Alene.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 80-1 4 301-1310 TRIOLO D'ALENE (FR) 7 11-06 Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty Won the Hennessy at Newbury, then disappointed in Gold Cup. Trainer holds record for number of victories at Cheltenham Festival, but seven of his last 17 National runners have fallen at the first. Irish jockey one of the best around and scored aboard Monty's Pass in 2003. The old saying is 'weight stops trains' and question is whether the French-bred has enough puff to see off rivals with a lower burden. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 22-1 5 1113-22 ROCKY CREEK (IRE) 8 11-05 Paul Nicholls Noel Fehily Runner-up to Triolo D'Alene in the Hennessy and highly regarded by trainer, who won the National with Neptune Collonges in a photo finish two years ago.

Rocky Creek has been hindered by a few niggles this season, including piles and ringworm, but his form is solid. Bidding to become the first horse younger than nine to win the race since Bindaree (who was also eight) landed the spoils in 2002. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 18-1 6 45-F405P QUITO DE LA ROQUE (FR) 10 11-01 Colm Murphy IRE Brian O'Connell Pulled up on last outing at Fairyhouse in February, but wouldn't be first winner to save his best for the big day. Has run well at Aintree before, winning the competitive Mildmay Novices' Chase for County Wexford trainer three years ago. Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, which was founded by airline boss Michael O'Leary. Jockey will be hoping for a comfortable ride, with plenty of room and to arrive at the right time.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 7 1U-03U0F COLBERT STATION (IRE) 10 11-00 Ted Walsh IRE Mark Walsh Owned by wealthy Irish businessman JP McManus, nicknamed the Sundance Kid for his gambling exploits. He retains 18-time champion jockey AP McCoy as rider of his horses. McCoy picked Colbert Station last year, and his mount travelled well before departing at The Chair. Jockey has opted for Double Seven this time. Trainer is the father of sidelined jockey Ruby Walsh. The pair triumphed with Papillon in 2000. Replacement Mark no relation. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 8 22P52-U4 WALKON (FR) 9 11-00 Alan King Wayne Hutchison Likely to be popular with the red half of Liverpool, fond of the refrain 'Walk On' as a line in the Anfield football club's anthem You'll Never Walk Alone.

You never know, perhaps it might be fate, with the Reds chasing a Premier League title and Aintree paying tribute to Hillsborough victims and campaigners 25 years on from the tragedy where 96 fans died. Walkon has won at the Merseyside track before - a juvenile hurdle in 2009. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 9 20P-1111 BALTHAZAR KING (IRE) 10 10-13 Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson There would be few more popular winners in the jockeys' weighing room than if perennial title runner-up Richard Johnson finally landed the world's most famous steeplechase at the 18th attempt. He was narrowly denied on What's Up Boys 12 years ago. Boasts a decent chance on Cheltenham Festival cross-country chase winner, who would relish drying conditions and good ground.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 25-1 10 P06-52P0 WAYWARD PRINCE 10 10-13 Hilary Parrott Jack Doyle Boasts some useful form, particularly when racking up a hat-trick of victories in the 2010-11 season, which culminated in a close third in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival under AP McCoy for previous trainer Ian Williams. Twice a winner in other races at Aintree and a Charlie Hall Chase runner-up to the talented Harry Topper earlier this season, although subsequent runs have been more wayward than regal. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 11 -4503112 MR MOONSHINE (IRE) 10 10-12 Sue Smith Ryan Mania Represents same trainer, jockey and owners as last year's 66-1 winner Auroras Encore. Scottish jockey was taken to hospital the next day following a nasty fall at Hexham races. Now fully recovered, he will once again ride for the trainer married to former showjumper Harvey Smith.

Mr Moonshine was pulled up four fences from home last year but then third to Chance Du Roy in the Becher Chase over the National fences in December, and has won twice since. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1 12 6203-020 TEAFORTHREE (IRE) 10 10-12 Rebecca Curtis Nick Scholfield It's easy to see Teaforthree being in the first three. Third last year, he was narrow runner-up to Monbeg Dude in the 2012 Welsh National. Looked potential winner 12 months ago before being passed late on, but has 5lb less weight to carry. Would be first Welsh-trained victor since Kirkland in 1905, but third in six years for a female trainer. Prepared with run in Cheltenham Gold Cup, where the horse finished eighth.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 12-1 13 10-501U ACROSS THE BAY (IRE) 10 10-11 Donald McCain Henry Brooke Ran well at the front for a long way last year before fading to finish 14th. Trainer won the race with Ballabriggs in 2011, and his father Donald 'Ginger' McCain was successful four times (a 1970s treble for Red Rum then Amberleigh House 2004). Jockey takes to the big stage after impressing producers with a moody performance in a TV trailer for the National. Runs for a syndicate of Merseyside owners. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 14 F111116 DOUBLE SEVEN (IRE) 8 10-11 Martin Brassil IRE AP McCoy Double Seven is number 14 on the racecard. How about that? Trainer won the 2006 National with Numbersixvalverde.

Double Seven racked up five wins earlier in the season and sure to be well backed with 18-time champion AP McCoy booked. Jockey gained his sole success in the big race at 15th attempt aboard Don't Push It four years ago and may not have too many rides in the contest left. He turns 40 next month. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 15 11-1PRP BATTLE GROUP 9 10-10 Johnny Farrelly Brendan Powell Secured a notable double at last year's Grand National meeting when trained by Kevin Bishop, who was assisted by his current trainer. Hasn't sparkled since changing stables and refused to race on one occasion, so his appetite for this test has to be taken on trust. However, if you believe in the adage 'horses for courses' you might go into battle with this one. Jockey's dad Brendan Sr rode Rhyme 'N Reason to victory in 1988.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 16 5-05103 BUCKERS BRIDGE (IRE) 8 10-10 Henry de Bromhead IRE Andrew Lynch Third at Fairyhouse in February ensured qualification. Trainer, whose stable includes former champion chaser Sizing Europe, reports the horse schooled well over Grand National-style fences. But feeling this could be a bridge too far as yet to win beyond two-and-a-half miles, and this test is nearly four-and-a-half. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 80-1 17 1/PP-5014 LION NA BEARNAI (IRE) 12 10-10 Tom Gibney IRE Davy Russell Former winner of the Irish National, which has proved a profitable guide to this race in the past. Approaching twilight of a career in which he has scored victories at big prices. Jockey won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on 20-1 chance Lord Windermere and is thriving after a nightmare start to the year when he was ditched by Gigginstown House Stud for younger jockey Bryan Cooper.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 40-1 18 12-3004 PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE (FR) 11 10-10 Willie Mullins IRE Paul Townend Prominent in ante-post lists when ruled out with injury in both 2012 and 2013. Chance may have gone, although should not be dismissed for Ireland's dominant trainer, who won the National with Hedgehunter in 2005. Jockey comes in for the ride after Ruby Walsh was sidelined following a fall at last month's Cheltenham Festival. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 25-1 19 13P-3415 MONBEG DUDE (IRE) 9 10-09 Michael Scudamore Paul Carberry Winner of Welsh National in January 2013, owned by trainer along with rugby union internationals Mike Tindall, James Simpson-Daniel and Nicky Robinson.

Liable to hit the odd obstacle, 'The Dude' has been sent for schooling sessions, supervised by Tindall's wife Zara, a leading equestrian rider and the Queen's grand-daughter. Jockey swung from rafters in old winner's enclosure when triumphing with Bobbyjo in 1999. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 20 1/F0211-23 BIG SHU (IRE) 9 10-08 Peter Maher IRE Peter Buchanan Fine jumper who has specialised in cross-country chases. Marathon tip should pose no fear as CV includes a victory over four miles and a furlong. Ran well again when third to Balthazar King at the Cheltenham Festival despite having a head cold in the run-up, although this represents step into the big league. Thought to prefer good to soft ground so trainer will be hoping for a few showers in the build-up to the race.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 21 2/-500P02 BURTON PORT (IRE) 10 10-08 Jonjo O'Neill Brian Harding Nicely weighted based on his best form, including runner-up in the Hennessy. Was sidelined for 18 months with tendon injury and switched stables. In eight rides over the National fences, 41-year-old jockey has completed the course six times including a third place on Simply Gifted (2005). Respected trainer won the National with Don't Push It in 2010. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 22 0P/124-050 OUR FATHER (IRE) 8 10-08 David Pipe Denis O'Regan Three career wins from 12 starts, including comfortable victory at Cheltenham in November 2012. One of four greys in the race this year, along with Walkon, Rose Of The Moon and stablemate Swing Bill.

Only two greys have won since the 1870s - Nicolas Silver in 1961 and Neptune Collonges two years ago. Pipe yard sometimes succeed with second string, but The Package appears their main hope this time. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1 23 241-3315 MOUNTAINOUS (IRE) 9 10-07 Richard Lee Jamie Moore Winner of the Welsh National in December and seeking to become first horse since Corbiere in 1983 to complete the Chepstow-Aintree National double. Would appreciate rain to soften the ground conditions. Jockey had biggest win of his career when riding Sire De Grugy to victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on 12 March. Says he would not swap the ride for any other in the race.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 24 4UP-261 THE RAINBOW HUNTER 10 10-07 Kim Bailey Aidan Coleman Second horse past the post last year, albeit without his rider, who says he took to the fences well before he was unseated at the Canal Turn. Impressive Doncaster win last time out suggests pot of gold may be in reach for The Rainbow Hunter. Jockey missed out on 100-1 winner Mon Mome in 2009 when choosing to ride Stan instead. Trainer scored with Mr Frisk in 1990 and has enjoyed a revival in recent years after some leaner times. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 28-1 25 2P-1262F VINTAGE STAR (IRE) 8 10-07 Sue Smith Brian Hughes Trainer, who won with outsider Auroras Encore last year, has been sounding positive about chances. Fell at the Cheltenham Festival last month. Breeding suggests a dry spell and good ground would help.

Jockey has yet to get round in three attempts in the National, but says of his 2014 mount: "He's a good ride to get. He's big and gives me the feel of a nice horse." Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 26 0400-1P4 CHANCE DU ROY (FR) 10 10-06 Philip Hobbs Tom O'Brien Having his fifth run over the unique Grand National fences but first in the most famous steeplechase of all. Was second in the 2012 Topham and won the Becher Chase in November. Somerset trainer consistently one of the top handlers and has saddled more than 2,000 winners, although yet to win the National. Stable jockey has plumped for Balthazar King. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1 27 12P-426 HAWKES POINT 9 10-06 Paul Nicholls Ryan Mahon Welsh National runner-up, beaten by a head by Mountainous on heavy ground at Chepstow in December.

Finished sixth on latest run in Grand National Trial at Haydock in February. One of the least experienced runners - this will be his 13th run under National Hunt rules. Owner Graham Roach twice enjoyed success in the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Viking Flagship. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 28 2-441103 KRUZHLININ (GER) 7 10-06 Donald McCain Wilson Renwick Bred in Germany, stabled with 2011 winning trainer (Ballabriggs), has scored twice this season at Kelso but this is a much stiffer test. No seven-year-old has won since Bogskar in 1940. Horse owned by Paul and Clare Rooney. He founded an estate agents in 1981 which is now part of the Arun Estates network, worth an estimated £80m. Scottish jockey has completed the course once from three Grand National rides, when finishing eighth on Tarquinius last year.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 125-1 29 35F2013 PINEAU DE RE (FR) 11 10-06 Dr Richard Newland Leighton Aspell Trained by former GP, so victory would be just what the doctor ordered. Winner of the Ulster National has been well backed in recent days. Formerly trained in Ireland by Philip Fenton, who faces a drugs case after banned steroids were seized from his yard. He is expected to deny any wrongdoing. Horse's name refers to aperitif wine produced in western France. Jockey finished second on Supreme Glory to winner Monty's Pass in 2003. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 28-1 30 1R03/3-U1 GOLAN WAY 10 10-05 Tim Vaughan Michael Byrne Made the switch to jump racing after winning only once from 15 runs on the Flat. Has scored nine times from 24 outings since making the switch.

While he is not one of the likeliest victors, the 10-strong syndicate that owns the gelding hope he continues a unique record - he has won on his third start each season since he went jumping. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 100-1 31 125010U TWIRLING MAGNET (IRE) 8 10-05 Jonjo O'Neill Richie McLernon For one of the so-called outsiders, the trainer seemed to have a little twinkle when interviewed in the build-up. Has won three times over fences, including at Cheltenham in October. Barbados-based owner Gay Smith is the wife of Derrick, who is part of the powerful Coolmore flat racing team, headed by John Magnier. Jockey lost by a nose on Sunnyhillboy in the 2012 National won by Neptune Collonges.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 80-1 32 302-FU0 VESPER BELL (IRE) 8 10-05 Willie Mullins IRE Katie Walsh Has only won once over fences, when landing a three-mile novices' contest at Punchestown in December 2012. Only run over the National fences ended at the first when he fell in the Becher Chase behind Chance Du Roy in December. Katie Walsh was given the ride after Mikey Fogarty was injured on Friday. She rode Seabass to third in 2012, the highest-placed finish for a female jockey. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 80-1 33 5/4/14PP-3 THE PACKAGE 11 10-04 David Pipe Tom Scudamore The Pipe family adore the National. Trainer's father Martin fondly tells story of how a street sweeper saluted him when he went to London soon after training Miinnehoma, owned by comedian Freddie Starr, to victory in 1994.

Son David another National winner (Comply Or Die 2008), and The Package looks the complete package with handy weight and touch of class. Owned by family of late David Johnson who died from cancer nine months ago. Rating: 9/10 Odds: 18-1 34 15211-P0P3 RAZ DE MAREE (FR) 9 10-03 Dessie Hughes IRE Davy Condon Winner of two Nationals already - the Munster and Cork versions in 2012. After three disappointing runs this season, was better when third last time out at Downpatrick. Jockey has not got round in the National from three attempts, though trainer had Black Apalachi who was runner-up to Don't Push It four years ago. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 35 114P-01 ROSE OF THE MOON (IRE) 9 10-03 David O'Meara Jake Greenall Good strike rate since joining trainer during summer of 2012, winning three of his six starts.

Only 10th in Becher Chase at Aintree on seasonal return but won at Wetherby in January. Jockey is a son of Aintree racecourse chairman Lord Daresbury, who as Peter Greenall was champion amateur rider in 1976-77. Peter stands down, after 25 years at the helm, after this year's meeting and victory would be a fitting farewell. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 36 /11220/-6P0 SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM (IRE) 10 10-03 Nicky Henderson David Bass Tried to boom, boom, shake the room when sent off 8-1 joint favourite two years ago and led four fences from home before finishing ninth. Absent for the best part of two years before returning in January and has not convinced in three starts since. Handicapper has given him a chance towards the bottom of weights, although stable jockey has chosen to partner Triolo D'Alene.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 25-1 37 6R3-51P ALVARADO (IRE) 9 10-02 Fergal O'Brien Paul Moloney Last year's winner was towards the bottom of the weights and largely unconsidered, and this is another who could be well treated. Form of Cheltenham win in November bears close scrutiny when got the better of some good horses including Monbeg Dude. Owners William and Angela Rucker have had a horse placed in last five runnings - State Of Play was fourth twice and third, while Cappa Bleu was fourth and then second last year. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1 38 51433-00 LAST TIME D'ALBAIN (FR) 10 10-02 Liam Cusack IRE Robbie Colgan Interesting piece of form is his third, when staying on, in last year's Topham Chase over the National fences to Triolo D'Alene and Walkon.

French-bred racehorses traditionally had a poor record in the race but two of the last five winners have hailed from France - Mon Mome (2009) and Neptune Collonges (2012). Trainer was fourth as a rider on Ebony Jane behind Miinnehoma. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 39 23-F3P465 ONE IN A MILAN (IRE) 9 10-02 Evan Williams Adam Wedge Will One In A Milan prove one in a million? Not the most obvious winner, although Welsh trainer commands respect. His horses have been placed five times from seven tries - State Of Play was fourth, third and fourth from 2009 to 2011, while Cappa Bleu was fourth in 2012 and runner-up last year, but is sidelined by injury this time.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 40-1 40 14406-50 SWING BILL (FR) 13 10-01 David Pipe Conor O'Farrell Sixth in the race last year, the grey got in as final runner this time after Lost Glory was withdrawn on Thursday morning. Veteran who could well compete without troubling the major players. Owned by Judy Halewood, chief of the race sponsors, whose late husband John was the owner of 2004 winner Amberleigh House. Trainer landed the big pot with Comply Or Die five years ago and his father Martin scored with Miinnehoma in 1994. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 Odds shown are the best available with the major bookmakers as of noon BST on Saturday. Listen to BBC Radio 5 live horse racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght and lead commentator John Hunt's pinstickers' guide to the Grand National.

Share this page Ruby Walsh Horse Racing Jockey - Career Profile Leave a comment Fresh from equalling his own record of seven winners at a single Cheltenham Festival, Ruby Walsh is set to head to Aintree next month in search of more Crabbie's Grand National glory. The 36-year-old produced another riding masterclass at Prestbury Park with his string of successes including brilliant victories aboard Annie Power in the Stan James Champion Hurdle and Vautour in the Ryanair Chase. It saw the ten-times Irish champion jumps jockey become the first rider to clock up a half-century of winners at the Festival, with his total now standing at 52. A supreme horseman, his skills in the saddle are no better showcased though than over the famous spruce fences at Aintree. Walsh won the world's greatest steeplechase at his first attempt in 2000 at the age of 20 on 10/1 shot Papillon, trained by his father, Ted, at Kill in County Kildare. And five years later he repeated the feat by powering 7/1 favourite Hedgehunter home for Willie Mullins's Closutton stables in Bagenalstown, County Carlow.

Walsh has also finished second on Hedgehunter in 2006 as well as being third on My Will in 2009 and fourth on Papillon and Kingsmark in 2001 and 2002 respectively. This year he has yet to commit to a National mount, although the Mullins-trained Boston Bob - a 40/1 shot with Betfair - looks a likely candidate after bouncing back to form under Walsh with a head success over stablemate On His Own in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last month. Walsh was the Irish champion amateur jockey twice - in 1996-97 and the following season - before turning professional. His qualities were soon spotted by Mullins, and they quickly formed a successful partnership with the rider's first Cheltenham Festival winner coming on Alexander Banquet in the 1998 Weatherbys Champion Bumper. Across the Irish Sea, Paul Nicholls had also become aware of Walsh's burgeoning talent and in 2002 the jockey agreed an arrangement whereby he would ride for both the Somerset trainer and Mullins. It saw Walsh and Nicholls collect a host of big-race wins with some of the sport's greatest horses.

Most notable among these was Kauto Star, who captured the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007 and 2009 as well as a record-breaking five King George VI Chase wins at Kempton. Walsh won the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on Azertyuiop in 2004 and plundered the prize again with Master Minded posting back-to-back victories in 2008 and 2009. Big Buck's was another of his superstar rides for Nicholls, landing four Ladbrokes World Hurdles at Prestbury Park from 2009-2012. Meanwhile, Mullins gave him the leg up to land the Champion Hurdle on Hurricane Fly in 2011 and 2013, and aboard Faugheen in 2015. Walsh is also associated at Cheltenham with the Mullins-trained mare Quevega, who claimed the OLBG Mares' Hurdle a remarkable six successive times from 2009-2014.

Away from the Festival, he has ridden the winners of all four Nationals - with victories in the Irish on Commanche Court (2000) and Numbersixvalverde (2005), the Scottish on Take Control (2002) and the Welsh aboard Silver Birch (2004). He has also landed Newbury's Hennessy Gold Cup twice on Strong Flow (2003) and Denman (2009), while he gained a famous success overseas last August on Bashboy in the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat, Australia. Walsh, who lives at Calverstown in County Kildare, split with Nicholls in May 2013 to spend more time in Ireland with his young family. Now with more than 2,400 winners under his belt and such an impressive record at Aintree, whatever he rides in this year's National on April 9 is bound to be of interest. An interview with Ruby and Katie Walsh - Channel 4 - Info - Press An interview with Ruby and Katie Walsh 20 Mar 2013 Interview google The following feature is available free for reproduction in full or in part.

The Grand National has been a happy hunting ground for the Walsh family over the years. In 2000, Ruby won the Grand National at his first attempt, riding a horse, Papillon, trained by his father, Ted Walsh. Ruby won the race again in 2005 on Hedgehunter. Meanwhile, last year Katie Walsh secured the best ever Grand National finish for a female jockey when she came in third on Seabass. Here, Ruby and Katie reveal a little more about racing, family and the unique event that is the Grand National. Did you both grow up around horses all the time? K: Yeah, it was always horses. Dad trained, and his father used to train, so we just grew up with them. Did you always want to become jockeys? K: It probably was for Ruby… R: Yeah, you hope so. I always loved riding, so it was definitely what I wanted to do. Katie, do you think you were treated differently by your dad? Fathers can be quite protective of their daughters… Was he as keen for you to become a jockey as he was for Ruby?

K: Well, I’m in the sport, but I’m not in it to the extent that Ruby’s in it. Ruby does it every day of the week. I’m an amateur, and I ride maybe two or three times a week max. I wouldn’t be riding over jumps half as many times as Ruby. So it’s a bit different. But yeah, sure, the father-daughter thing is always going to be there. You’re from a sporting family – were you competitive with each other growing up? R: Not really. Katie’s five years younger than me, so other than when we’re racing against each other, we’ve never been that competitive. What’s it like having a brother as successful as Ruby to follow? Is it an inspiration, or added pressure? K: I wouldn’t call it pressure anyway – it’s great. It’s great to be able to watch the racing every day, knowing that Ruby’s going to be riding three or four. It’s great entertainment, but it’s absolutely no pressure for me whatsoever. Do you think women have to work harder to secure success and to get good rides? K: Yeah, they’re just hard to come by.

It’s a very male-dominated sport, and a very hard sport, physically. So it’s going to be difficult. But it’s great to be involved in a sport where women and men can compete against each other on a professional level. It’s probably the only sport where that happens. Do you get nervous, watching each other race? K: Yeah, I do sometimes get nervous watching Ruby. R: Over jumps, yeah, you sometimes worry that something might happen to her, but I never worry that she won’t be able to perform. Do you enjoy racing against each other? K: We’d never really think about it like that, would we? R: No, not really? K: We might have a bit of craic and a bit of rivalry and a bit of messing, but that’s it. R: If you’re riding the best horse, you’ll win, so you’re more worried about the horse you’re riding than the jockey you’re riding against. Do you ever discuss tactics or walk the course together before a race? K: I more go to Ruby and ask him different things about different horses and different tracks. For the National we’ll walk the track together, stuff like that, but very rarely, to be honest.

Katie, Nina Carberry is your sister-in-law. As two of the top women jockeys, do you have a friendly rivalry going? K: Not really. We’ll ask each other what we’ll be riding and so on, and obviously when you’re out there it’s competitive, and everyone’s looking after themselves, but I wouldn’t say we have a rivalry going, no. Ruby, you’ve won both The Grand Nationals and Cheltenham Gold Cup. How do the two compare? R: They’re very different races. The Gold Cup is a championship race, the Grand National is the people’s race. You get very different horses for very different races, and I’m very privileged to have won them both. Katie, last year you recorded the best ever finish in a Grand National by a female jockey. Does that sort of thing mean a lot to you? Absolutely nothing. I would never thought, when I pulled up, I was the best finishing female jockey, I just thought it was great to finish third in the National. I never think about it like that, my gender doesn’t come into it.

Does the fact that you’ve both done well in the National before fill you with confidence every time you take part in the race? K: A lot of it is just to do with age and experience as well. As you get older, you get more mature, and you can handle certain situations a little bit better. But you have to be riding the right horse on the right day. Channel 4’s going to be covering the Grand National for the first time this year. What do you make of their coverage? R: Channel 4 do very in-depth coverage of racing, and it’s great for racing, the coverage they give it. They’ve got very knowledgeable analysts, and it’s just great that racing has such coverage on terrestrial television. When you all get together as a family, is it all racing talk? R: No. We are able to have lives outside of racing! K: Definitely. Is there anyone in the family who doesn’t like racing? K: I wouldn’t say so. But we all have lots of other interests outside of racing. R: For example, the Ireland v England rugby match will be on tomorrow at our place, simple as that! When you retire from racing, do you want to stay in the sport?

Maybe get into training? R: I want a job with Channel 4! K: It’s a long way down the road yet, let’s see what happens. The Grand National is on Channel 4 on Saturday 6th April at 4.15pm. Channel 4 will cover the entire meeting, afternoons on 4-6 April. Related Links Ruby Walsh | Grand National Jockey 2015 | Favourite Rider | Betting | Odds | Form TESTING MENU Grand National Jockeys 2015 - Ruby Walsh Over the past ten years Ruby Walsh has grown into one of the most famous and successful jockeys on both sides of the Irish Sea. Walsh has won just about every race there is to win and any horse he rides is always one to consider as he holds two of the most prestigious jobs in the sport at the moment. Walsh works as a stable jockey to Willie Mullins who is the Champion Trainer in Ireland and Paul Nicholls who holds the same position in the UK meaning he has his pick of the very best horses.

Walsh will always have a top ride in the Grand National with his pick of the Mullins and Nicholls yard, the agreement is that he will get the strongest contender from the two yards and that alone makes him a jockey to follow. Ruby Walsh rode his first Grand National winner back in 2000 on board Papillon, it was a special win for him as not only was it was a horse trained by his father but it was also his first ride in the race. Walsh followed up that win with another one at Aintree on board the great Hedgehunter who won the National in 2005, which was a win for trainer Willie Mullins and was perhaps the best National horse of his generation. Walsh rode Hedgehunter to third place in 2004, before winning in 2005 and finishing second in 2006 to complete a remarkable three years for the horse and jockey in the National. As well as having success in the Grand National, Ruby Walsh has a remarkable number of Cheltenham Festival wins on his CV.

Walsh has so far won 30 races at the biggest meeting for the season with most remembering his partnership with the great Kauto Star as the highlight of his brilliant career.

Ruby Walsh Notable Wins 2011 Champion Hurdle - Hurricane Fly 2013 Champion Hurdle - Hurricane Fly 2012 Irish Champion Hurdle - Hurricane Fly 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup - Kauto Star 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup - Kauto Star 2009 World Hurdle - Big Bucks 2010 World Hurdle - Big Bucks 2011 World Hurdle - Big Bucks 2012 World Hurdle - Big Bucks 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup - Denman 2008 Queen Mother Champion Chase - Master Minded 2009 Queen Mother Champion Chase - Master Minded 2006 to 2009 King George Chase - Kauto Star 2011 King George Chase - Kauto Star 2013 Supreme Novices Hurdle - Champagne Fever 2014 Supreme Novices Hurdle - Vautour 2015 Supreme Novices Hurdle - Douvan 2015 Arkle - Un De Sceaux 2015 Champion Hurdle - Fa

ugheen Ruby Walsh wins Grand National in Australia on Bashboy - BBC Sport BBC Sport Ruby Walsh wins Grand National in Australia on Bashboy 9 Aug 2015 From the section Horse Racing Share this page Media playback is not supported on this device Australian Grand National: Ruby Walsh wins on Bashboy at Ballarat Ruby Walsh has guided top weight Bashboy to a record third consecutive Australian Grand National win at Ballarat in Victoria.

Walsh has previously won the English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish Nationals. The 36-year-old Irishman was brought in for the ride after regular jockey Steve Pateman was suspended. Bashboy, a 12-year-old trained by Australian Ciaron Maher, was near the lead all the way and fought off the challenge of Thubiaan in the straight. Walsh has twice won the English Grand National at Aintree - on Papillon in 2000 and Hedgehunter five years later - as well as the feature Nakayama Grand Jump in Japan. Thumbs-up from Walsh after the victory in Australia "It's brilliant to be here. As a jump jockey, you don't get many opportunities to ply your trade abroad," he said. "I thought I still had a little bit left as we entered the straight. I knew I was giving lots of weight away, but I was jumping so good I couldn't wait to get to the two fences. "The horse on my inside nearly fell at the second last and I nearly fell off but when I got him back on an even keel, he started rallying going to the last and I knew I had a good show.

"I'm over the moon that I was asked to come, even happier that he won." Maher was thrilled to see Bashboy secure his place in the record books, particularly in the hands of Walsh. "Full credit to Ruby - he's just a true superstar. It's great for Australian jumps racing to get a rider of that calibre out here and for him to actually win the race - it'll be international news," the trainer said. "The horse is just an outstanding horse. I'll probably never train another one like him - his toughness and his durability. I'm rapt it's all come off." Jockey Ruby Walsh with winning trainer Ciaron Maher at Ballarat Walsh sits tight as he guides Bashboy to victory Share this page

Question: Which horse, trained by the father of the jockey Ruby Walsh, won the 2000 Grand National?
Answer: PAPILLON