‘Girl power’ entices Grand National punters
Katie Walsh aims to be first woman rider to win famous race.
HISTORY BECKONS. Katie Walsh – sister of the legendary jump jockey Ruby Walsh – and her mount Baie Des Iles tick all the boxes for Saturday’s Grand National steeplechase at Aintree. Picture: Racing UK
London – Baie Des Iles and jockey Katie Walsh are all the rage with British punters as betting momentum builds for the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
Walsh teams up with her husband, trainer Ross O’Sullivan, and is confident seven-year-old mare Baie Des Iles can give a bold account in the world’s most famous steeplechase. The betting public has got the message especially with ground for the near-7000m contest likely to be soft and in the female duo’s favour.
Bookmakers were offering up to 50-1 about Baie Des Iles on Friday last week, but a mountain of money wagered on her in the past five days saw the price slashed to 10-1 on some boards though some 14-1 was still available.
Walsh, who finished third in the Grand National aboard Seabass in 2012, is bidding to become the first woman to ride the winner of the venerable race – with Bryony Frost and Rachael Blackmore also targeting the same accolade aboard Milansbar and Alpha Des Obeaux respectively.
SkyBet spokesman Michael Shinners spelled out the attraction: “The combination of a mare, who is grey, with a very good lady jockey, and trained by the jockey’s husband, means Baie Des Iles is going to continue to catch the punter’s eye.
“She’s been the best backed horse since Monday and is cur- rently our worst possible result.”
Nicola McGeady of rival book- maker Ladbrokes, who also reported support for Frost and Milansbar, said: “It’s the ultimate ‘girl-power’ pairing. Walsh came close to winning the National in 2012 but this year there is a real belief that she can go all the way and create history.
“Baie Des Iles is ticking all the boxes. She’ll love the ground and the more it rains the more money we’ll see in her favour.”
Blaklion at 10-1 was at the head of the antepost market for some time, despite defeat in gruelling ground at Haydock in February. But Gold Cup third Anibale Fly, attracting a lot of support in recent days, has dipped to 6-1 and looks likely to start as the favourite.
Another horse that has drawn support is The Dutchman, who was cut to 25-1 from 33-1.
Walsh commented: “There is so much luck involved in a Grand National. It can depend on where you’ve been positioned through- out the race or whether you’re behind a horse who doesn’t jump well. There are a lot of variables involved.
“Every runner has a chance of winning the Grand National; you just do not know what is going to happen. But we’re really excited about Baie Des Iles.”
Walsh’s mount was a creditable third in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown back in February on heavy ground and conditions on Merseyside are expected to suit her.
She added: “She has plenty of form on heavy ground, but she has a good action and I think bet-
ter ground wouldn’t be too much of an issue, either. We’re counting down the days now, but it’s going to be a great experience.
“I’m looking forward to riding in the race again and especially for Ross.”
Rising star Frost teamed up with Milansbar to good effect back in January to win the Classic Chase at Warwick and octogenar- ian owner Robert Bothway is hop- ing the pair can triumph again.
Bothway said: “We were hoping to run in the National last year, but we didn’t get in. He’s always jumped well. He’s by Milan, he stays forever, the we er the be er and he never hesitates at a fence. Bryony just gelled with him straight away.” – sportinglife. com, racingpost.com
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