Brother and sister Ruby and Katie Walsh are the Randox Grand National Festival Ambassadors for 2021. The siblings share a wealth of experience of the world’s greatest chase, having ridden in 20 Grand Nationals between them.
Ruby was successful on his first Grand National appearance when partnering Papillon, trained by his father Ted, to victory in 2000. He was on the mark again five years later aboard Hedgehunter, the first of owner Trevor Hemmings’ joint-record three Grand National winners and trained by Willie Mullins. He announced his retirement from the saddle at the 2019 Punchestown Festival, shortly after partnering Rathvinden to finish third behind Tiger Roll in the 2019 Randox Grand National. He rode in 14 Grand Nationals in total, finishing in a top four position on six occasions.
Katie Walsh rode in the Grand National six times, only once failing to complete the course. Her best finishing position came when third on Seabass, trained by Ted Walsh, in 2020. This remains the best finishing position for a female jockey in the world’s greatest chase. A true devotee of Aintree, she is always a leading participant at the Grand Women’s Summit held on Randox Ladies Day.
Katie Walsh said: “Aintree holds so many fond memories for both Ruby and myself, so we are delighted to be ambassadors for the Randox Grand National Festival in 2021.
“Obviously, it is going to be a very different three days at Aintree this year but I am sure the action on the track will be as thrilling as ever.”