Ruby Walsh gives a thumbs up on Bashboy after their historic victory
PICTURE: Racing Victoria
Walsh and Bashboy make jumps history
Report: Australia, Sunday, Ballarat: Ecycle Grand National Steeplechase 2m6½f, 3yo+
BASHBOY (Ciaron Maher) and Ruby Walsh showed just why they are considered the best in their respective fields, combining to record a heroic and historic victory.
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Bashboy cemented his standing as the greatest Australian jumper of the modern era as he became the first horse to win the Grand National Steeplechase three times, while carrying the highest weight to victory (74.5kg) since 1957.
His win also ensured he became the first to win more than a million dollars in prize-money over jumps in Australia.
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Walsh got the call to ride Bashboy after regular jockey Steve Pateman failed to overturn a careless riding suspension, and the news of Walsh’s booking created a huge buzz down under with racegoers allowed in free to watch the action on Sunday.
After discussing a plan with Pateman, Walsh positioned Bashboy on the pace throughout to give him the best chance in the A$250,000 (£120,00) feature.
Head-to-head
Bashboy (A$6.50) and Thubiaan (A$11) cleared out from the others as they entered the home straight to slug it out for the title.
Thubiaan, who carried over 14lb less than Bashboy, looked to have the edge, but he almost fell at the second last, giving Walsh and Bashboy, who made a mistake of their own, another chance.
“They’re cheering all around the world, he is the best,” roared the commentator as the 12-year-old Bashboy responded to the urgings of Walsh, rallying to the delight of a passionate crowd to prevail by a half-length.
The A$3.20 favourite No Song No Supper finished a further ten lengths back in third.
Ruby Walsh has to sit tight to stay aboard Bashboy at Ballarat
PICTURE: Racing Victoria
National hero
After the race Walsh paraded Bashboy in front of his adoring fans, revelling in the occasion.
“What a horse,” Walsh said. “I thought I still had a little bit left as we entered the straight. I knew I was giving lots of weight away but I was jumping so good I couldn’t wait to get to the two fences.
“The horse on my inside nearly fell at the second last and I nearly fell off, but when I got him back on an even keel he started rallying going to the last and I knew I had a good show.
“It’s a pleasure to ride such a wonderful horse.”
‘A superstar’
Trainer Ciaron Maher is in awe of what Bashboy and Walsh achieved.
“I’m ecstatic – it’s unbelievable,” Maher said. “Full credit to Ruby – he’s just a true superstar.
“The horse is just an outstanding horse. I’ll probably never train another one like him – his toughness and his durability. I’m rapt it’s all come off.”
Ciaron Maher (left) poses with Ruby Walsh and Bashboy at Ballarat
PICTURE: Racing Victoria
Another nation conquered
The victory has only added to the legend of Walsh, who has now won the Grand National in Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Australia, while also tasting feature race success in Japan.
It was a whirlwind trip for the 36-year-old, who only arrived on Saturday and will spend about 48 hours in Australia before heading home.
