Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ruby rides again
Bookies face a £100m bashing after jockey’s miracle recovery
PUNTERS are hoping for a £100million Cheltenham jackpot after jockey Ruby Walsh made a miraculous recovery from a smashed leg.
Bookies fear they will lose a fortune if Ruby, 38, rides a string of favourites to victory at the festival, which starts tomorrow.
The Irish jockey returned to the saddle last week just three months after breaking his right leg in a fall – when most people would still be on crutches.
Betting expert David Williams said: “Ruby’s recovery is a bookmaker’s worst nightmare.
“Punters who dip into racing always look for his name and he rarely lets them down.
“In terms of toughness he is off the charts, almost superhuman. His powers of recovery are phenomenal and it’s an enormous boost for punters.” And pundit John Mccririck, 77, told the Mirror: “We are so lucky to get Ruby back.
“He’s a magnificent man and has shown incredible strength of character to come back. “Footballers would take longer to recover from the same injury. Ruby is an example of sheer determination – and behind the smile and brilliance he’s got real guts.
“Punters will always follow Ruby at Cheltenham because of his history of success.”
Dad-of-three Ruby has recovered from 14 broken bones, two dislocations and even a ruptured spleen in his career.
He is expected to get up to 20 rides at Cheltenham, where he has been top jockey a whopping 11 times with a record 56 wins.
In an interview recently, Ruby said: “The leg should be close to 97% healed, which is sufficient to use. It will take considerably longer to be 100%. When you can use it is what I need to know.”
The jockey proved his fitness by scoring a five-length win aboard Lareena at Thurles last Thursday.
Ruby is expected to ride 13-2 second favourite Faugheen in tomorrow’s Champion Hurdle.
Ladbrokes are bracing for a record-breaking festival with over £300million to be wagered across the four days. They estimate £35,000 a second will be gambled.
But last year’s Gold Cup winner will not be there. Sizing John is ruled out with a hairline fracture.
Don’t miss your Cheltenham Festival pullout every day this week, free with your Daily Mirror.