On His Own jumping the last in the Thyestes in January© Photo Healy Racing
Ruby Walsh has decided to ride On His Own in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree next week.
The leading jockey, who had several choices in the famous race has plumped for Graham Wylie's Thyestes Chase winner.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the eight-year-old has been leased by Wylie to a charity for the day and confidence must now be high in the camp.
Originally it looked as if Walsh would be riding Prince De Beauchene, also owned by Wylie and trained by Mullins, but he was ruled out of the race through injury last week.
Walsh could also have chosen Seabass, trained by his father, Ted Walsh, or Paul Nicholls' Neptune Collonges, who will now be ridden by Daryl Jacob.
The news of Walsh's decision was broken by Mullins on his website, wpmullins.com, which read: "After some pleasing work on the gallops this week, Ruby has decided to ride On His Own in the Grand National."
On His Own had drifted to around 60/1 briefly on the exchanges on Friday night but on Saturday morning he had settled at around the 20/1 mark.
Writing in his column in the Irish Examiner, Walsh revealed he would not have been comfortable not riding for either Mullins or Nicholls, and that his sister, Katie, will now ride Seabass.
"Willie wanted me to ride for him, Paul Nicholls was anxious I go with Neptune Collonges and, of course, there was also my father's Seabass to consider," said Walsh.
"But I had to be very professional about this and just wouldn't feel comfortable not riding for either Willie Or Paul.
"I harbour doubts about Seabass getting four and a half miles in any case, but I'm sure he will give my sister, Katie, a terrific spin.
"Likewise, I'm concerned about On His Own travelling left-handed, because I think his form is better going the other way, but am prepared to take a chance on that.
"You couldn't fail to be impressed by the manner in which On His Own won the Thyestes at Gowran Park in January and that race is sometimes a good test for Aintree.
"Neptune Collonges is probably well handicapped at this stage, but my worry is that he lacks the tactical speed required for such a test."
