Eight horses I’ll never forget

Legendary Irish jockey Ruby Walsh picks out eight horses from his glittering career that gave him special memories…

PAPILLON & COMMANCHE COURT

PAPILLON was incredible when he won the 2000 Grand National. It started a six-week period in which Commanche Court landed the Irish National and the Punchestown Gold Cup. I’d gone from being champion jockey to breaking a leg and slipping out of sight. Those six weeks and those two horses changed my career.

KAUTO STAR

JUST to be associated with him was special. Kauto (right) won two Cheltenham Gold Cups, but the emotions when he won a fourth Betfair Chase in 2011, then followed up with his fifth King George VI Chase a few weeks later, were amazing.

HURRICANE FLY

THE same applies to him. Being associated with him was special. He won two Champion Hurdles and I won 18 races on him. It’s hard to pick out any race in particular.

BIG BUCK’S & QUEVEGA

BOTH were incredible horses who went to the Cheltenham Festival every year. Big Buck’s won four World Hurdles and Quevega won the Mares’ Hurdle six times. They were aces in the your pack who were rock solid and always delivered. It didn’t half take the pressure off.

ANNIE POWER

I GOT huge enjoyment out of winning the 2016 Champion Hurdle on her. She had summered at my place and I thought she was an incredible athlete. For her to deliver on the biggest stage for any hurdler was incredible.

DENMAN

I WON two Hennessy Gold Cups on him in 2007 and 2009. He was top-weight both times but to me the second one was even better than his first. The weight he carried and gave away was incredible.