Ruby Walsh Set to Recapture Irish Jumps Title

Despite being in the headlines for his opinions on the new whip rule more than anything else over the past week or two, it appears as though the bookmakers are just as convinced as ever that legendary Irish jock Ruby Walsh will be the top jumps pilot in Ireland again this season. There's a lot to like about Walsh and he missed a large portion of last season due to injury – only to reappear at Cheltenham and spark one of the biggest Irish-dominated days in years.

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Walsh had been favoured to retain the title last year but the injury saw Phil Townend take the nod.

As it currently stands, Ruby Walsh is trading as the betting favourite despite sitting fourth in the overall table. Walsh boasts 28 winners this year which puts him just 21 wins behind current leader Davy Russell.

Walsh is the stable jockey for a number of top yards and the fact that he has asserted his intention to race primarily in Ireland only venture over to England for major Grade 1 meetings gives punters all the more reason to back him.

The title will be awarded at the end of April at Punchestown and, not only is Walsh trading at odds-on, he's actually quite short to pull off the season victory. Stanjames.com has priced the venerable Irish rider at a slim 4/9 for the outright win.

Should Walsh be able to stay off the treatment table, he can expect to get first choice on the vast majority of Willie Mullins rides – the main reason why Mullins' other stable jockey, the aforementioned Townend, got the prize last year filling in for Walsh.

Davy Russell is 2/1 to hold onto his title while Barry Geraghty is available at a hefty 16/1 price tag. Paul Carberry is at 25s while Andrew McNamara is listed at 33/1.