Grand National Memories: Walsh reigns on Papillon

It is not uncommon to see children follow in the footsteps of their parents and forge successful sporting careers; in no sport is this more evident than in horseracing. In stark contrast to the moniker 'the sport of Kings', the national hunt game has long been dominated by generations of hard-working families from rural roots, the Carberry family arguably the most recognisable of horseracing's dynasties. Tommy, himself a Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning jockey, has watched his children, Paul, Phillip and Nina, plunder a plethora of top events, including the Champion Hurdle, Irish Grand National and, most famously of all, the 1999 Aintree Grand National.

Tommy Carberry, of course, had a large involvement himself in the 1999 Grand National, training Bobbyjo, the previous year's Irish Grand National winner, to prevail in the Aintree marathon under a fine ride from his prodigiously talented son, Paul. It was a real family affair as the victory sparked wild scenes of jubilation, the most iconic of which involved Paul swinging from the rafters of the Aintree winners' enclosure, unable to conceal his sheer delight at securing one of racing's most prestigious prizes.

Almost unbelievably, the horse narrowly pipped by Bobbyjo in the 1998 Irish Grand National, a bay gelding called Papillon, would also enjoy his day in the Aintree sun, winning the first renewal of the twenty-first century for another father-and-son combination, providing twenty-year-old Ruby Walsh with a winner for his father, Ted.

Riding in the race for the first time, having recovered from a broken leg sustained riding in the Czech Republic, Ruby Walsh had already achieved success in the saddle, winning the 1998/99 Irish Jockeys' Championship in his first season as a professional rider. However, he was a relative unknown in Britain and, up until the day before the race, his mount, Papillon, was an unheralded 33/1 shot, his participation only confirmed a couple of weeks beforehand.

Ruby's father, Ted, was well established in the racing game, gaining many notable wins as a highly-successful amateur jockey, before turning his hand to training as well as engaging in a spot of media work, appearing as a pundit on RTE Racing. Known for his forthright views and 'colourful' language, Walsh, presumably, was also well versed in the art of gentle persuasion as he managed to convince Papillon's reluctant owner, Mrs J Maxwell Moran, to let her horse compete in the world's most iconic race.

Out of form for much of the season, Papillon had hinted at signs of a revival in a handicap hurdle at Leopardstown on his final run before Aintree, and he was tipped by the influential Pricewise column on the morning of the race, sending original quotes of 33/1 plummeting. A real momentum developed behind Papillon and, having opened on course at 14/1, he - along with nearly every other horse - was slashed in price, eventually sent off as 10/1 joint-second favourite.

The owner's fears regarding the daunting Aintree course looked to be misplaced as Papillon was soon in a lovely rhythm, jumping in exemplary fashion, settled just off the pace in the early stages. Not every horse took to Aintree quite so well as Papillon, however, as, in typically-attritional style, a quarter of the field were out of contention by the time they had jumped the formidable Becher's Brook, including, notably, the well-supported favourite Dark Stranger, the representative of the powerful Martin Pipe and AP McCoy partnership.

Perhaps wisely, given the early carnage, the pace steadied somewhat after they jumped the Canal Turn for the first time, the well-fancied Star Traveller taking them along at a steady tempo; the most significant departure for the rest of the first circuit being that of Young Kenny, the class act in the field who was attempting to defy a mark of 155 and the welter burden of 12 stone.  

Star Traveller was still at the head of affairs as the runners met the swirling wall of noise emanating from the packed grandstands on the approach to the intimidating, unforgiving obstacle known as the Chair. Surprisingly, the horses cleared that much-feared ditch without incident, the riders glad to remain on horseback with the much more comforting sight of the water jump on the horizon. Papillon, as had always been the case, remained close up, the leaders firmly in the sights of Ruby Walsh as they set out on their final circuit.

As is customary, Becher's Brook was responsible for its fair share of incident as the depleted field took it for the second time, the Nicky Henderson-trained Esprit de Cotte falling, in addition to the patiently-ridden Stormy Passage also coming down and severely compromising the chances of Bobbyjo. 

Walsh, having elected to go the brave man's route on the inside, where the daunting drop is even more pronounced, managed to evade the danger, pushing Papillon into a share of the lead as they continued on their journey. Taking famous fences such as Foinavon, the Canal Turn and Valentine's Brook, plenty were still travelling well within themselves, though Papillon was moving with eye-catching fluency, relishing the challenges the demanding National course provided.

Heading back to the 'racecourse proper', crossing the Melling Road with just two fences left to jump, a fair few remained in contention, but Papillon was moving ominously well under a motionless Walsh. Closing up behind him, however, also moving menacingly was Norman Williamson aboard Mely Moss, looking a real threat as he stealthily picked off his rivals. 

Jumping the second-last fence, Papillon got in slightly close, handing the initiative to Mely Moss who stuck his head in front for the first time. Briefly, Walsh began to niggle on the heavily-backed Papillon, generating an instant response as his mount gamely fought back alongside his rival, the pair having the race between them as they jumped the final fence in unison.

Preparing for the long, punishing run-in, Papillon was quickly away from the final obstacle, gaining a length on Mely Moss. Using the famous 'elbow' as a reference point, acknowledging victory was close, Walsh administered a stern reminder, trying to keep his idling mount up to his work, desperately hoping to preserve the advantage. A weary Mely Moss, switched to the rail by Williamson, attempted one final challenge, but Papillon had enough in reserve, punched out the whole way by Walsh who, in a moment of euphoria, punched the air in delight as they crossed the line, achieving a boyhood dream at the first attempt, winning a race that has eluded some of the greatest jockeys.

Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!