Seabass and Ruby Walsh (near) jump the last fence behind Zaarito© Photo Healy Racing
The Ted Walsh trained Seabass completed a remarkable sequence of seven winning races at Naas today, winning the Grade 2 Paddypower.com Chase.
Ridden by Walsh’s son Ruby Walsh (completing a double), the gelding appeared ‘caught for toe’ early in the straight but stayed on well on the run-in to head Zaarito close home.
Afterwards Walsh Snr said “that was great! Seabass got under the last but was gutsy. He was out of his comfort zone over two miles and was going faster than he wanted to go but battled well.
“Maybe some of the other horses weren’t as good as they used to be but he was won €120,00 since he won his point to point and that’s not bad! If he stays sound, we’ll go to Aintree for the Grand National.
“There’s no ideal type of horse for that race, you won’t know until you get there. Nobody knows if he’ll get the trip he’s never been beyond three miles but I imagine looking at him he is the right type. However, the biggest problem is keeping him sound - he has been on the ‘scrap heap’ three times already.”
The win moves Walsh Jnr within 13 winners of jockey Davy Russell (91-78) at the head of the Jockeys’ Championship.
Stan James Bookmakers subsequently cut Seabass to 16/1 (from 33s) for the Aintree Grand National.
