Paul Gallagher is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with champion Irish jockey Ruby Walsh when they ride in the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat.

Walsh will make his Australian debut after receiving a call-up to ride Bashboy in Sunday's race over 4500m with Gallagher aboard last-start Grand National Hurdle winner King Of Dudes.

Gallagher, along with fellow Irish jockeys Tom Ryan (King Triton) and Richard Cully (Sea King) will be doing their utmost to spoil Walsh's party.

He said getting the champion jockey to Australia was a great boost for the jumps racing industry.

"I know it's Ballarat and it will be cold and wet, but I just hope we get a nice crowd come out and show their appreciation for him coming out," Gallagher said.

"It's going to be exciting and it will be good for him too as he'll get a feel of some of our jumpers.

"It will interesting to see what he thinks of them."

Irish-born Gallagher rode regularly against Walsh in jumps races throughout England and Ireland before moving to Australia four years ago.

The 28-year-old didn't like the idea of trying to carve out a living as a freelancer in England after riding for a stable which had 100 horses in work.

A phone call to Ryan enticed Gallagher to Australia and eventually Melbourne where he resumed his career.

"Tommy Ryan and a few of the other boys that I know were riding out here and they said to come out and give it a go," Gallagher said.

"And I've got no intentions of going back home at the minute.

"It's a good lifestyle and I'm really just starting to get going now.

"Riding the National (hurdle) winner is going to open up more doors for me hopefully."

King Of Dudes will be attempting to become the first horse since Mosstrooper in 1930 to win the Grand National Hurdle and Steeplechase double in the same year.