Jockey Ruby Walsh was quick to pay tribute to Bashboy after he steered the 12-year-old to victory in the Australian Grand National at Ballarat racecourse.
Bashboy created history on Sunday morning as he secured his third successive Grand National win. Regular jockey Steve Pateman missed the ride because of his recent suspension so trainer Ciaron Maher drafted in Walsh.
The Irish ace made the perfect start to his first race in Australia as he steered Bashboy into a brilliant position coming into the final bend. He was put under pressure for a short while by Thubiaan but his rival then made a crucial mistake before Bashboy went on to win by half-a-length.
Walsh has now won the English, Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Australian Nationals, while he has also picked up the title in the Nakayama Grand Jump in Japan.
Speaking after Sunday’s race, Walsh insists it was a brilliant feeling to travel abroad and secure another prestigious victory.
He told racing.com: “What a horse. I thought I still had a little bit left.
“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. It’s brilliant to be here. As a jump jockey you don’t get many opportunities to ply your trade abroad.
“It’s been a great day.”
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