Ruby Walsh: Papillon was so special. I want dad to have that Grand National thrill again

For those for whom the thought of a girl even riding in the Grand National was once inconceivable, it is now only a matter of time before a female rider wins it — and it could even be now

FAMILY AFFAIR: Ruby Walsh celebrates after steering Papillon, trained by his father Ted, to victory in the Grand National in 2000. Ted’s Any Second Now is a big contender in this year’s race. Picture: Allsport

The Randox Health Grand National is still the greatest National Hunt race of them all.

Other meetings, as a whole, might garner more attention, and purists — myself included — will argue the Gold Cup is the pinnacle of our sport, but maybe that’s because we know the best horse can win the Gold Cup and everyone wants to be associated with the best.