Grand National-winning owner Betty Moran dies aged 89

Betty Moran, the owner of Ruby Walsh's first Grand National winner Papillon, has died at the age of 89.

Moran, who also bred American Grade 1 winners Unique Bella and Hard Spun, enjoyed her greatest jumps win as an owner when the Ted Walsh-trained Papillon struck at Aintree in 2000.

Papillon, who won nine of his 39 career starts, also landed the Grade 2 Newlands Chase and was runner-up in the 1998 Irish Grand National behind Bobbyjo.

Papillon: winner of the Grand National in 2000Credit: Edward Whitaker

Ted Walsh said: "She was a wonderful woman. I regarded her as my fairy godmother. Without her I'd never have had what I regard as the best day of my life in racing – Papillon winning the Grand National with Ruby riding him.

"I knew her about 43 years Her and her family have been great friends of our family for many years and was almost part of the family. She was a huge help to me in many different ways."

Moran first enjoyed jumps success courtesy of Tib’s Eve in the 1978 Tom Roby Steeplechase at Delaware Park and Tostadero's triumph in the 1989 National Hunt Cup at Radnor.

He added: "She was originally a friend of my father's and bought Tib's Eve, who went on to do well over jumps in the US, from him. She also bought Tom Miller from us and he, too, did well in the US."

The Pennsylvania-born Moran also oversaw top-level wins on the Flat, with Morning Bob winning the 1984 Pennsylvania Derby and Creme Fraiche the 1985 Belmont Stakes and two Jockey Club Gold Cup contests.

Moran is survived by five of her six children as well as 15 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.