‘When you’re back, you’re back’ – Ruby returns with a winner
IT HAD been 110 days since jockey Ruby Walsh was in competitive action on the racecourse but it was business as usual yesterday at Thurles with the champion jockey making a winning return, WRITES MICHAEL VERNEY.
Walsh suffered a broken leg after a horrible fall at Punchestown in November but showed no signs of ring rust when powering clear aboard the Willie Mullins-trained Lareena (11/8 favourite) in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle.
Any doubts about his fitness look unfounded ahead of next week’s Cheltenham Festival with the 38-year-old – top jockey at the Cotswolds 11 times with a staggering 56 winners in total – blowing away any cobwebs on his only ride of the day.
“I thought I was alright out there, she won anyway!” Walsh said afterwards.
“I have one ride at Leopardstown tomorrow and what happens over the next few days I’ll let Willie decide, he’s my boss again now! I don’t mind really. When you’re back, you’re back!”
The Kildare rider continues his comeback with a sole mount aboard another Closutton runner Karalee today but the outsider of five in the Leopardstown Classic Trials Day April 14th Hurdle (1.25) faces a stiff task against 2014 Champion Hurdle winner Jezki.