That winning feeling, Sandra Hughes, Katie Walsh and Thunder And Roses© Photo Healy Racing
Katie Walsh followed in the foot-steps of Ann Ferris and Nina Carberry to become the third winning lady rider of the BoyleSports Irish Grand National Chase as Thunder And Roses (20/1) led home a one, two, four for owners Gigginstown House Stud. The victorious Presenting gelding is of course trained by Sandra Hughes. Band Of Blood gave his pursuers plenty to think about before he eventually began to look vulnerable under Alan Crowe, from before the last.
One of Gigginstown's other contenders, the well-fancied Empire Of Dirt was one of those to go in a first fence melee, but at the business end the County Westmeath outfit were looking set to dominate from a fair way out.
Walsh got a great leap from Thunder And Roses at the last, and he went on to defeat Rule The World by four and a quarter lengths. Sizing Coal came through for the third spot, half a length adrift for Jim Dreaper and Jonathan Burke, whilst Band Of Blood (trained like the runner-up, by Mouse Morris) was eventually seven and a half lengths back in fourth. Alderwood ran a cracker for fifth at 66/1, whilst also in the J P McManus colours, Tony McCoy was sixth aboard Cantlow
"He stays all day. I was a little disappointed with him at Cheltenham but he came out of it fine so we took our chance," said Hughes.
"We thought all year that this was the race for him. He stays and keeps going and he doesn't mind that ground.
"Someone above was helping us out. Dad always loved this race and to do it for him is wonderful. Katie was brilliant on him.
"I have to give a big thanks to Michael and Eddie O'Leary for letting me have the horse and train him for it.
"I'd say that'll be him for the year."
Meanwhile Katie Walsh reported: "He travelled everywhere and that makes it a lot easier in a race like this. He was a very easy ride and anybody could have won on him today.
"It's a race I've been lucky enough to ride in a few times but I never dreamt I would win it.
"I'm an extremely lucky girl. I've rode a lot of great winners over the years and this is right up there with them.
"I was here the year Nina rode the winner and got a great buzz from that. I never thought I would experience it."
Unfortunately it was reported later that Tammys Hill was a fatality in the big race.
The Stewards fined M.F.Morris, trainer, €65 for failing to fit a tongue tie to Band Of Blood, prior to entering the parade ring.
P. Buchanan, rider of Alpha Victor trained by William Kinsey (in GB), reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount refused at the last fence.
(GC & EM)
