Ruby Walsh Due Back in Action by Month's End

Ruby Walsh, the veteran National Hunt rider and choice jockey for the Paul Nicholls yard, has declared his intention to return to racing by the end of February - just in time for the Cheltenham Festival. Punters will obviously be wondering if Kauto Star's unprecedented attempt at the King George may have gone a bit differently with Walsh at the helm in lieu of Tony McCoy.

Undone by injury in early November, Walsh's most recent check up was said to have exceeded expectations and the Irishman's name is being bandied about for the Racing Post Chase at Kempton. The popular assumption is that Walsh will be aboard the highly-regarded chaser Fistral Beach.
The timing is crucial for Walsh as he has owned the Cheltenham Festival in recent years and should expect a choice selection of mounts going into the 2011 edition. Speaking to the Racing Post, Walsh declared he has "a further check-up in two weeks time, and (we) will know more then."

There are a number of ante post punters who will likely be keeping their eye firmly-fixed on Walsh's progression from the double fracture in his right leg. If Walsh gets plenty of time on the gallops in the build up to the festival, then punters will likel be expressing plenty of confidence. Should he be rushed back, or question marks exist of Walsh still being unsound, the wagering markets could turn upside down.

Walsh is expected to be in the irons aboard such superstars as Big Buck's, Kauto Star, Master Minded and virtually all the top talent in the Willy Mullins yard as well.