Ruby Walsh steers Bashboy into the history books

Ruby Walsh helped to create a piece of Australian racing history as he steered Bashboy to an unprecedented third success in the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat racecourse yesterday.

Trainer Ciaron Maher booked Walsh for the mount on his 12-year-old after regular rider Steve Pateman was ruled out through suspension and the Irish jockey made a big impact on his first working trip to the country.

Bashboy was saddled with 11st 9lb as he tried to follow up his two previous victories in the extended two-mile-six-furlong race and Walsh took up a prominent early position.