THE IRISH GRAND NATIONAL has been won by Katie Walsh this afternoon at Fairyhouse.

Following in the footsteps of Ann Ferris in 1984 and Nina Carberry in 2011, Walsh becomes the third female jockey to emerge victorious from the race, having ridden Thunder and Roses to a four-and-a-quarter-length victory at 20/1.

With the younger sister of Ruby Walsh on board, Thunder and Roses stormed clear ahead of Rule The World (20/1) in second and Sizing Coal (40/1) in third.

“I’ve had some fantastic days,” Katie Walsh told RTÉ. “It’s an Irish National, it’s right up there. This is class. This is a top-class day. It’s great. It’s great for women in racing.”

It was an emotional triumph for trainer Sandra Hughes, who took over the training licence for Thunder and Roses following the death of her father, Dessie, in November.

Hughes said: “Katie was absolutely fantastic, she just suited him to a tee. She was brilliant and he (Thunder And Roses) was brilliant. We thought all year that this was the race for him.

“Someone above was helping us out. Dad always loved this race and to do it for him is wonderful. Dad was with us all the way today.”

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, makes a presentation to Katie Walsh and Sandra Hughes. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

RESULTS

2.45 — Rea Grimes Property Consultants Hurdle
1st – Buiseness Sivola (7/1)
2nd – Prussian Eagle (8/1)
3rd – Sam Red (4/1)

3.20 — Keelings Irish Strawberry Hurdle
1st – Dedigout (2/1f)
2nd – Thousand Stars (9/2)
3rd – Analifet (8/1)

3.55 — Boomerang Animal Bedding Handicap Hurdle
1st – I Shot The Sheriff (4/1f)
2nd – Ttebbob (16/1)
3rd – Mydor (11/2)
4th – Mine Now (7/1)

4.25 — Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle
1st – Sempre Medici (9/4f)
2nd – Identity Thief (7/1)
3rd – Rich Coast (22/1)

5.00 — Boylesports Irish Grand National Steeplechase
1st – Thunder and Roses (20/1)
2nd – Rule The World (20/1)
3rd – Sizing Coal (40/1)
4th – Band of Blood (50/1)
5th – Alderwood (66/1)

5.35 — John & Chich Fowler Memorial European Breeders Fund Mares Steeplechase
1st – Vroum Vroum Mag (1/4f)
2nd – Burn And Turn (7/1)

6.05 — Fred Kenny Lifetime Service To Racing Novice Handicap Steeplechase
1st – Aurora Bell (16/1)
2nd – Mallards In Flight (3/1)
3rd – Fergiethelegend (14/1)

6.35 — Weatherby’s Ireland Gsb Flat Race
1st – Anibale Fly (5/1)
2nd – Livelovelaugh (8/1)

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