Thunder strikes for Katie Walsh and Sandra Hughes in Irish Grand National

It was Ladies Day at sunny Fairyhouse yesterday as 20/1 shot Thunder And Roses captured the Boylesports Irish Grand National for Katie Walsh and Sandra Hughes.

The novice spear-headed a great result for Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud, successful with Hear The Echo in 2008 and responsible here for the winner, runner-up Rule The World and fourth Band Of Blood.

But the day belonged to Katie Walsh who became the third lady rider to win the race, emulating her sister-in-law Nina Carberry, successful on Oreganisedconfusion in 2011 and Ann Ferris, who partnered Bentom Boy to victory back in 1984.