RUBY LEG-BREAK HELL
Horror tumble brings fresh agony for hero
TOP jockey Ruby Walsh suffered a stress factor of his old leg break when a horrifying fall ended his Cheltenham Festival.
The 38-year-old veteran plunged from Al Boum Photo in yesterday’s second race while battling for victory. He was treated on the turf before heroically hobbling away. The Irish favourite, who only returned to the track last Thursday, now faces another lengthy lay-off after aggravating the right leg he badly injured four months ago.
At first onlookers thought it was another gruesome leg fracture. One said: “I was horrified. He tried getting up twice. Ruby is the real hero of the Festival.
“The horse kicked him twice in the ribs and ran off to the right. We thought that was the injury but it seems he’s hurt his leg again. I’m gutted.”
After hitting the second-last fence, Al Boum Photo rolled over Walsh’s leg. The horse got up quickly, but the jockey stayed down. Medics then surrounded him with screens, sparking fears he had suffered a serious injury.
Walsh – who is the most successful jockey in the Festival’s history – was taken to Gloucester Royal Infirmary for X-rays. He has been stood down for the rest of the event.
Trainer Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci confirmed Ruby injured the same leg he previously hurt.
Ruby said: “My right leg is in a cast and the fall opened the fracture at the back.”
He will see a consultant in Dublin next week over the 22nd serious injury of his career.
Walsh had been heavily backed by punters and got off to a flying start on Tuesday, riding both Footpad and Benie Des Dieux to victory. Yesterday he was due to ride Douvan in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, but was replaced by Patrick Mullins.
Some bookies had already started paying out on him to be top jockey at Cheltenham.
Paddy Power, for whom Ruby is an ambassador, said: “Backers of him for top jockey at the festival haven’t really got a fair run for their money. So we have paid out on him to be top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival. Get well soon, Ruby.”
But other bookmakers, including Ladbrokes, confirmed that they will not be refunding their punters.
A Ladbrokes spokesman said: “Ruby is always the big attraction on the day and, although it is disappointing that he misses out, punters will still follow trainer Willie Mullins with or without Ruby.”