Ballarat racecourse is expecting a record crowd for Sunday’s Australian Grand National meeting after offering free admission to celebrate Ruby Walsh’s first ever ride Down Under.
With regular rider Steve Pateman serving a suspension, the star Irish jockey will travel across the world to partner Ciaron Maher’s Bashboy when he bids for an historic third victory in Australia’s most famous steeplechase
Sally Brook, sales and marketing manager at Ballarat Turf Club, hailed Walsh’s arrival as “massive news”.
“It’s an enormous deal for us all,” Brook told Press Association Sport.
“The phone has literally not stopped ringing with people wanting to come and watch the most famous jumps jockey in the world.
“We’ve thrown open the gates for free, so we’re going for a record crowd.
“What would have attracted around 500 to 1,000 racegoers will hopefully now be thousands and thousands.
“It’s massive news and we’re proud to play our part.”
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