The ground wasn’t as slow as I thought it would be yesterday and it had an impact on all my rides, writes Ruby Walsh. 

It is Round Four for the season in Ireland between Hurricane Fly and Jezki but it is a battle with a difference this time, taking place over three miles in the World Hurdle (5.30). 

Things didn’t all go to plan yesterday but you won’t complain with two winners nonetheless. I picked the wrong one big time in the Champion Chase and my hope that Champagne Fever might reproduce his best form proved unfounded. It was 50-50 with Felix Yonger and it didn’t surprise me that he stuck it out so well in the end.

Punchestown is one of the most important weeks of the year and just like Cheltenham, it starts for me with Douvan (4.20). He seems in really good form and is coming off a brilliant performance in winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

AP McCoy calls time on the most successful career in the history of jump racing today and I would have made sure I was in Sandown for it to join in on the celebrations, whether I had a ride or not, writes Ruby Walsh

I am happy to be riding Perfect Gentleman in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Monday. I think he has the right profile for the race and 10-10 is a lovely weight.

The flat season gets under way tomorrow and there will be plenty focus on the public gallops that many of the Ballydoyle hopefuls will be doing after racing at the Curragh.

 

Done and dusted with the Cheltenham Festival for another year but what a week it has been! Barring Annie Power tipping up at the last in the mares’ hurdle, it has been fantastic. 

It’s Gold Cup day at Cheltenham but I won’t be disappointed if the forecast rain arrived overnight and continues through the morning as it will suit my mount, Djakadam, writes Ruby Walsh.