Katie Walsh

Horse Racing

Once there was a girl called Katie, who grew up surrounded by horses. Her dad, Ted, was a famous jockey and trainer, and Katie and her siblings loved nothing more than helping out in the yard. Katie was always happier outside, and being around animals made her feel comfortable. She struggled in school and developed a stammer because she was nervous about speaking – it got to the point where she couldn’t even answer the phone at home. With horses though, Katie felt at ease and talking to them helped to grow her confidence.

Katie first learned to ride on a pony called Flash. He belonged to her older brother, Ruby, and while Ruby's dream was to become a jockey, Katie never expected she would follow the same path. She was interested in show jumping and eventing, and even represented Ireland, but the older she got, the more she was drawn to the speed of racing.

Her plan was to get her amateur riding licence and ride one winner for her dad. But as soon as Katie felt that rush of victory, she knew she couldn’t give it up. She worked hard and small wins turned into big wins – never more so than at the Cheltenham Festival in 2010, when she rode two winners in three days.

Katie’s star continued to rise over the next few years – she was the first ever woman to win the Kerry National in 2014 and a year later she wrote herself into the history books once more when she won the Irish Grand National. Her dad and her brother had both had success in the race and were among the first to run up to celebrate with her, as she entered the winner’s enclosure with tears in her eyes.

Even though Katie had lots of success, winning was never the most important thing for her. She rode horses because she loved them. When she retired in 2018, she did so with a smile on her face, just as she had fifteen years earlier, when she started out on a journey she never expected.