Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

02:00 PM-06:00 PM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement
Racing

Katie Walsh on the Grand National: "It's completely unpredictable"

Katie Walsh joined Saturday's Off the Ball ahead of the Grand National at Aintree later today.&nb...



Katie Walsh on the Grand Natio...
Racing

Katie Walsh on the Grand National: "It's completely unpredictable"

Katie Walsh joined Saturday's Off the Ball ahead of the Grand National at Aintree later today. 

The Irishwoman is aiming to become the first female jokey to win the coveted race when she rides Baie Des Iles - who is also trained by her husband, Ross O'Sullivan. 

"I don't mind if the rain comes - I'll be doing a bit of a rain dance," she told Shane Hannon. "I think she ran well in Punchestown the last day - she finished third behind Isle of Hope and Dreams and Falcon Blue which went on to be placed in the Irish National last week.

"So, I mean the form has worked out well but I think people have probably jumped on to the 'trained by Ross, ridden by me' and the fact that she's a mare - I think the only mare in the race and she's grey and all these factors together have created a bit of a roller-coaster with the media." 

Asked about her strategy ahead of the race, she said: "It's completely unpredictable, I'm afraid. As you get a bit older you probably handle these situations a bit better. I've ridden in five nationals now so I've been very lucky to have been able to do that and got the opportunities. 

"But yeah, these are the great says and I'm very much, kind of, the kind of person who looks forward to these things and appreciates them and if you can't enjoy it - what's it all for? So, we're really looking forward to it and I can't wait and I'm extremely grateful and to be trained by Ross makes it extra special," she added.  

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.