Retiring a little over a month ago, Katie Walsh was a jockey held in high regard. Daughter of Ted Walsh (also a jockey, trainer, now presenter), and born in 1984 she holds the honour of being the highest placed female jockey in the prestigous Grand National, finishing a very respectable third place 2012 on Seabass. In 2015 she won he Irish Grand National, so that’s another impressive accolade she holds.
Her interest in horse began with eventing many years prior to she came to be held in high acclaim for her racing abilities. Early success in horse racing took the form of multiple successes at the Cheltenham Festival in 2010 where she rode not one but two winners (Poker De Sivola in the National Hunt Chase and Thousand Stars in the County Handicap Hurdle ). After a succesful career and the aforementioned Grand National successes, she bookended her time in racing with yet more success at Cheltenham. At the 2018 festival she won the grade 1 Champion Bumper aboard Relegate.
Upon announcing her shock retirement after a win in the Novice Hurdle at Punchestown , Walsh stated “I’ve had a marvellous career and I’ve unbelievable memories. The next chapter in life begins now. I said to myself that I’d retire whenever I rode my next winner, whether it be here at Punchestown or wherever.” The hard fought win on Atley at 9-1 was an impressive way to bow out of racing.
Walsh is held in such high regard she received a guard of honour by fellow riders following her final win. She has been praised for opening the door for women jockeys, and showing where determination and grit can get you in this tough and competitive sport. Ever modest she always let her riding do the talking though, saying that she saw herself as ‘a jockey’ and not ‘a female jockey’.
