Ruby Walsh Set for Saturday Return

Popular Cheltenham pilot Ruby Walsh is set for a rapid return to race-riding after getting his face stitched up aftera spectacular-looking fall at Naas on Wednesday. There had been rumours that Walsh would line up for a run on Friday but it was confirmed today that the venerable Irish jockey will be taking to the turf for the Paul Nicholls yard at Sandown.

Walsh blogs at Racing UK and his most recent post declared, “I’m a little sore, but it could have been a lot worse. Everyone told me it looked very nasty and feared I could be in trouble again, but thankfully it was just a gash in my right eye.”

Walsh had been riding King of The Refs in a 2m3f maiden hurdle at Naas before falling on the final hurdle when he had every chance. Walsh and King Of The Refs brought down Phil Townend and his charge Boro Bee.

Thankfully, both horses were reported to be fine after the fall.

Skipping Wincanton on Friday will likely pay dividends for Walsh who has a decent selection of mounts for the Sandown fixture on Saturday. Richard Mahon will be in the irons for Ruby’s previously scheduled horses at Wincanton.

Punters are keeping their eyes on Walsh as he will be involved with some of the most popular betting selections at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival and, should he pick up a few wins this weekend, the wagering markets could see price drops as Walsh gets back into form quickly.