Jockey Katie Walsh is targeting victory in the Grand National at Aintree, Liverpool. Walsh, who finished third in the 2012 race, says: "I like to be feminine in a male-dominated sport, and I love the fashion side of it."
Grand designs —
Jockey Katie Walsh is targeting victory in the Grand National at Aintree, Liverpool. Walsh, who finished third in the 2012 race, says: "I like to be feminine in a male-dominated sport, and I love the fashion side of it."
The Jockey Club
Irish jockey Walsh will act as an ambassador for Ladies Day at the National for a second year running. She says of life as a jockey: "If you find it hard getting out of bed early in the morning, then this isn't for you."
Ambassadorial role —
Irish jockey Walsh will act as an ambassador for Ladies Day at the National for a second year running. She says of life as a jockey: "If you find it hard getting out of bed early in the morning, then this isn't for you."
The Jockey Club
Walsh, riding Seabass to third in 2012, still holds the record for the highest finish by a female rider in the event's rich history.
Crest of a wave —
Walsh, riding Seabass to third in 2012, still holds the record for the highest finish by a female rider in the event's rich history.
PAUL ELLIS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Her career wins include one on Thousand Stars on the final day of the 2010 Cheltenham Festival.
Stars of the show —
Her career wins include one on Thousand Stars on the final day of the 2010 Cheltenham Festival.
ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Walsh says she enjoys the rough and tumble of racing against predominantly male jockeys.
Rough and tumble —
Walsh says she enjoys the rough and tumble of racing against predominantly male jockeys.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Walsh (pictured riding) hails from an equine family. Her father Ted is a trainer, while her brother Ruby is one of the UK's leading jockeys.
Family trait —
Walsh (pictured riding) hails from an equine family. Her father Ted is a trainer, while her brother Ruby is one of the UK's leading jockeys.
Julian Herbert/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Walsh says of her racing-dominated world: "Sometimes you do have to make a conscious effort not to talk about it, and I know a lot of people that just can't stop."
Racing certainty —
Walsh says of her racing-dominated world: "Sometimes you do have to make a conscious effort not to talk about it, and I know a lot of people that just can't stop."
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
"It's hard, physical work and I don't have many weekends free -- but I love it. It's not my work, it's my passion, and I feel very lucky I do this as a living. I love what I do."
'It's not my work, it's my passion' —
"It's hard, physical work and I don't have many weekends free -- but I love it. It's not my work, it's my passion, and I feel very lucky I do this as a living. I love what I do."
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images