Ruby Walsh will ride in his first race in Australia on Sunday when he takes part in the Australian Grand National.
The 36-year-old will team up with Bashboy for the race at the Ballarat racecourse and he will have a lot of pressure on his shoulders with the Ciaron Maher-trained 12-year-old having won the two-mile race in each of the last two years.
The Aussie trainer confirmed the news that Walsh will ride the reigning champion and he revealed his delight at being able to attract such a prestigious jockey to the race.
He said: “Confirmation that world class jock Ruby Walsh has been confirmed to ride Bashboy in the Grand National!”
The Irish jockey has himself won the Grand National at Aintree on two occasions following his successes aboard Papillon in the year 2000 and Hedgehunter five years later and he will be hoping to add another triumph in Victoria this weekend.