Family affair as Katie Walsh has sixth stab at Aintree glory with Baie Des Iles

Grand National hope Baie Des Iles with husband and wife team of Ross O'Sullivan and Katie WalshCredit: Patrick McCann

As the remaining runners thundered across the Melling Road for the final time in the 2012 Grand National, Shakalakaboomboom’s rider Barry Geraghty turned fleetingly to Katie Walsh on Seabass to ask how she was travelling.

Walsh had just about joined him upsides in front with a double-handful and didn’t respond. She couldn’t.

The girl who had led up Papillon for her father Ted and brother Ruby as a wide-eyed 15-year-old could almost reach out and touch the promised land that had for so long shimmered enchantingly on the distant horizon. She didn’t want to tempt fate.

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Richard ForristalIreland editor

Published on 9 April 2018inGrand National festival

Last updated 07:19, 11 April 2018

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