Ruby Walsh - confirmed to ride Bashboy in Ballarat on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

CHAMPION Irish jockey Ruby Walsh has been confirmed for the ride on Bashboy in Sunday’s $250,000 Grand National Steeplechase, 4500m, in Ballarat.

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Cauldfield/Warrnambool trainer Ciaron Maher has engaged Walsh to replace suspended Steven Pateman, who is the regular rider for two time Grand National Steeplechase winner Bashboy.

Maher said i was exciting to have arguably the world’s premier jumps jockey making the trip to partner his horse.

“It’s heartbreaking for Steve, but Ruby is probably the best in the business so to get him down here is great for Australian racing and particularly for jumps racing,” Maher said.

“He’s just an outstanding rider who is at the top of his game so I’m rapt to be able to get him.”

Walsh is a 10-times champion jumps jockey in Ireland and has ridden more winners at the famous Cheltenham Festival than any other jockey.

Now a 12-year-old, Bashboy is striving to become the first horse to win the Grand National Steeplechase three times.

Walsh has also been booked to ride the Robert Smerdon-trained Arch Fire in Sunday’s $100,000 JJ Houlahan Hurdle, 3200m.

Smerdon has two runners in the race, with Ballarat-based John Allen booked to ride Westsouthwest.

Ballarat Turf Club has eight races programmed, with four jumps events.

GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE, 4500m

1--1P1 BASHBOY (Ciaron Maher) Ruby Walsh 6 74.5kg

2-312 SEA KING (Patrick Payne) Richard Cully 9 71kg

3--5L0 THUBIAAN (Eric Musgrove) Richard Eynon 10 68kg

4--7L1 KING OF DUDES ( (Aaron Purcell) Paul Gallagher 7 66kg

5--168 ZUHAYR (Tony Rosolini) Darryl Horner (Jnr) 5 64.5kg