A WEEK after riding five winners on a Saturday card at Wincanton, Ruby Walsh is facing a month on the sidelines. A fall at Gowran Park on Thursday aggravated the injuries he suffered at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and a specialist’s examination yesterday ruled that a prolonged period of rest and physiotherapy was essential.
His sister and agent, Jennifer, said yesterday: “There is nothing broken but he’s very sore across his upper body. It’s an accumulative thing from two bad falls and the advice is that he will need a lot of physiotherapy and swimming. There’s nothing like racing to keep your feet on the ground and Ruby knows that better than anyone.”
Barry Geraghty was flown in by Paul Nicholls, the leading trainer, for the winning ride on Star De Mohaison at Fontwell Park yesterday and he also takes over on Albuhera, favourite for the Victor Chandler Chase today at Cheltenham. Three of Walsh’s other mounts, including on the impressive Denman, pass to Christian Williams.
Longer term, Walsh will miss a key weekend in a fortnight when Kauto Star, favourite for the Champion Chase, runs at Newbury and Hedgehunter tackles the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown.
That track stages some high-calibre action tomorrow, with the first two in the Champion Hurdle betting, Hardy Eustace and Brave Inca, featuring among seven declared for the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle. Nickname, Missed That and Justified are the principals for the grade one Baileys Arkle Novice Chase.