RUBY WALSH MADE racing history in the early hours of Sunday morning as he guided Bashboy to win a record third straight Australian Grand National.
It was a milestone too for Walsh who has now won Grand Nationals in five different countries, adding to an honour roll which already included Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
The 12-year-old defied top weight at Ballarat to hold off a determined challenge from Thubiaan in the final yards.
Walsh flew down under for two rides at the Victoria track after Bashboy’s regular jockey Steve Pateman was suspended.
“What a horse!” he said afterwards.
He’s 12 but he doesn’t ride like a 12-year-old old. There’s so much energy there. He’s such a good jumper.
“He’s just an outstanding horse,” trainer Ciaron Maher added.
“I’ll probably never train one like him.”
Originally published at 13.51
