The year 2000 Grand National produced a victory for a horse named Papillon, which still resonates as one of the most memorable moments in the race's history.
Trained by the famous Irish trainer Ted Walsh and ridden by his son, jockey Ruby Walsh, the victory was a stunning achievement for this family duo.
The story of Papillon’s triumph captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide, marking a significant milestone in both horse racing and the careers of those involved.
Papillon’s Background and Preparation
Papillon, foaled in 1991, was a chestnut gelding bred in Ireland. His career before the Grand National was steady, showing promise but not quite standing out as a superstar of the racing world.
Despite this, he had built a respectable record, mainly racing in steeplechase events across Ireland.
By the time the 2000 Grand National approached, Papillon was a seasoned 9-year-old, with plenty of experience over hurdles and fences but no major standout victories.
The decision to target the Grand National, one of the most challenging races in the world, was an ambitious move by his connections.
It should be noted that his owner, American Mrs Betty Moran really had to be persuaded as she was not a fan of the race.
Ted Walsh, his trainer, was a well-known figure in Irish horse racing, both as a commentator and a former jockey. His decision to let his son, Ruby Walsh, ride Papillon was significant.
Although Ruby was a talented jockey, he had not yet reached the heights of his career and this was his first ever ride in the race.
For the Walsh family, the 2000 Grand National was not just another race but an opportunity to prove their worth on one of the biggest stages in horse racing.
Build-Up to the National
Interestingly, Papillon had previously run in three Irish Grand Nationals in 1997, 1998 and 1999 with mixed success. He placed 4th, 2nd and 10th respectively and while he didn't win he did prove time and again that he was a worthy long distance chaser with plenty of stamina.
For the 2000 Grand National at Aintree, Papillon came prepared, with Ted Walsh carefully managing his training and preparation.
He had bypassed Cheltenham with Walsh opting to stay in Ireland giving Papillon shorter runouts at Fairyhouse, Naas and Leopardstown instead.
As the race day approached, Papillon was considered a strong contender but not among the absolute favourites.
His odds started at 33/1 on the day but were shortened to as little as 10-1, which placed him as a reasonable chance.
Most bettors focused on other runners, with AP McCoy's Dark Stranger going off as the 9/1 favourite.
How The Race Unfolded
The 2000 Grand National saw a field of 40 runners take on the challenging 30-fence course.
The conditions were considered fair, with decent weather and a good racing surface, which helped make the race highly competitive.
Papillon was kept in a relatively forward position by Ruby Walsh for most of the race, expertly negotiating the demanding fences such as Becher’s Brook and The Chair.
By the time they reached the final stages of the race, it was clear that Papillon had plenty of energy left.
In the last few fences, he surged ahead, pulling away from the competition. As they rounded the final bend, it became apparent that the 10-1 shot would take home the victory.
Papillon crossed the finish line first, followed by Mely Moss in second place and Niki Dee in third place. In all, 17 runners and riders finished the race.
Who Was the Race Favourite?
The favourite for the 2000 Grand National was Dark Stranger, trained by Martin Pipe and ridden by Tony McCoy. At odds of 9-1, many had expected Dark Stranger to lead the field.
However, he failed to finish the race after unseating McCoy at the 12th fence, leaving the door open for others, including Papillon, to seize victory.
Other well-fancied horses like Star Traveller, Bobbyjo and Mely Moss put in solid performances, but none were able to match Papillon's brilliance on the day.
Famous Victory
Papillon’s win in the 2000 Grand National became famous not just because he won but because of the circumstances surrounding his triumph.
Firstly, it was a significant victory for the Walsh family, with Ted Walsh becoming only the third man to win the race both as a jockey and a trainer.
It was also Ruby Walsh's first Grand National win in what was his very first ride in the race.
The win was also special because of the connection between father and son, making it a truly family affair.
Papillon's performance on the day was flawless, showing agility and stamina that surprised many who had not considered him a serious contender.
His ability to handle the difficult Aintree course and outlast his competitors was impressive, showcasing the training skills of Ted Walsh and Ruby’s brilliant ride.
Other Major Wins
Although Papillon's career highlight was undoubtedly his Grand National victory, he did have a few other notable performances.
After his National win, Papillon continued to race and secured a respectable fourth place in the 2001 Grand National.
However, he never quite reached the same heights again. In fact, he only ever won one other race. That was in his first time back after the National win in a 2m1f at Leopardstown on 27th December 2000.
Overall, his record was solid but unspectacular, with his performance in the 2000 National remaining his crowning achievement.
What's In A Name?
Papillon is the French word for butterfly and yet this not why the horse was named.
Instead, in a video interview with Racing TV (available on Youtube) Ted Walsh recounts how he had taken the family to see the film Papillon starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman.
At the same time horse owner Betty Moran had said if Ted had a decent horse she'd buy it for Ruby to ride. Ted already had the horse and young Ted Walsh, suggested that Papillon, named after the movie, would be a great name.
And that's how the 2000 Grand National winner, Papillon, got his name.
Legacy
Papillon’s victory marked the beginning of Ruby Walsh’s ascent to becoming one of the greatest National Hunt jockeys, with his Grand National win cementing his place in racing folklore.
In the years since, Papillon’s victory has been fondly remembered by racing fans, particularly those in Ireland, where the horse was based.
Papillon may not have been the most famous horse before 2000, but his Grand National win ensured that his name would be remembered in the annals of racing history.
