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Saratoga and Walsh sail to impressive Grade One triumph at Punchestown
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 2 May 2026
Mark Walsh made his last Grade One ride for JP McManus a winning one when guiding Saratoga to victory in the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle.
A Gold Cup-winning jockey in the green and gold silks of McManus, he is due to depart his role as the owner’s retained jockey, with Harry Cobden taking over – but before doing so still had time for one final magical moment in the famous silks.
After bringing up his 900th career victory earlier in the Punchestown Festival, he made the final Grade One of the week his own, sending the Fred Winter winner on approaching the last and drawing three and three-quarter lengths clear aboard the 9-2 shot at the winning post.
It was also a first Grade One for winning trainer Padraig Roche, son of Christy Roche and someone the jockey counts as a close friend.
“To ride a Grade One winner for your best friend, that was brilliant,” said Walsh.
“He’s a brilliant trainer, he learned from the best in Christy and you saw it there.
“He stays all and he galloped all the way to the line, he’s a good horse. It’s always hard for four-year-olds going into open company next season, so we don’t know yet (if can be a Champion Hurdle horse).”
Roche said: “We hoped he would do that and he has obviously proven himself. To win any race at the Punchestown Festival is great, but to win a first Grade One here is unbelievable, I’m over the moon.
“Alan Crowe recommended buying the horse through his job in Ballydoyle and dad convinced JP to buy him. Alan was first jockey to dad for years and told us if we could buy this horse, to do so.
“We take whatever horses we get from JP every year and I’m delighted for him, as he has always been there. In total, we only have 10 or 12 jump horses and six or seven Flat ones so I’d love to get more and further outside owners.
“I haven’t a clue where he runs next!”
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