20-1 shot Thunder And Roses takes Irish Grand National title
Katie Walsh steered the Sandra Hughes-trained Thunder And Roses to victory in a dramatic BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse this afternoon.
Five horses came to grief at the first fence in the three-mile-five-furlong contest and a number of others failed to complete.
A wave of three runners for leading owners Gigginstown House Stud led the field turning into the home straight, with 20-1 shot Thunder And Roses alongside the Mouse Morris pair of Rule The World and Band Of Blood.
The trio jumped the final fence virtually as one, but Thunder And Roses picked up best on landing, galloping all the way to the line to secure a four-and-a-quarter-length victory.
Rule The World held onto the runner-up spot from Sizing Coal, with Band Of Blood weakening on the run-in for fourth spot.
Walsh, brother of legendary jockey Ruby and daughter of trainer Ted, becomes the first female rider to win the race since Nina Carberry struck gold on Organisedconfusion in 2011.
“This is absolutely class,” said the jockey.
“I’ve had some fantastic days, but this is an Irish National.
“They stopped in front and he kept going.
“It’s great for women in racing.”
