Katie on course for National record at brother’s expense
Katie’s father Ted and brother Ruby have both tasted success in the world’s most famous steeplechase, and she’ll aim to complete the family treble aboard 10/1 second favourite Seabass, who finished third last year.
Of the 20 horses ridden by females since Charlotte Brew became the first female National jockey on Barony Fort in 1977, only seven have finished the 4½-mile race.
“There’s a lot of fences to be jumped,” Katie said. “You need a lot of luck, and it’s good to have last year’s experience under my belt.”
As she did last year, Katie will go head-to-head with Ruby in the Aintree showpiece, with the siblings riding the two favourites. The older, more experienced Walsh mounts On His Own, the current favourite.
“It could easily be him alongside if we’re jumping there at the last,” Katie said. “But that’s one thing that I really haven’t thought about.”
Writing in today’s Irish Examiner, Ruby admits: “It does promise to be a day of real emotion. I want to win this National but if I can’t win, then my heart will be with my sister on Seabass. And dad also has Colbert Station and that would obviously be a great result as well for the Walsh family.
“My father has only 16 horses in training and for him to have two of the main candidates, Seabass and Colbert Station, is a remarkable achievement. Seabass is in mighty form and has been geared totally at the National.”
Millions of euro will be wagered on the horse race that transcends the sport. Boylesports are offering an 11/4 Walsh family Grand National special for Ted, Ruby, or Katie to win the race.
