Ruby Walsh: ‘Pat Smullen got every yard of the trip he was given, only that trip wasn’t long enough’

We lived our whole lives and careers side by side, not as opponents but still as competitors, using each other as confidants and judging how well we were doing by what the other was achieving

HAPPY DAYS: Ted & Helen Walsh, Pat Smullen, and Ruby Walsh after Dunemer won the O’Leary Off Licence & Lounge Bar Nursery at Galway on September 12, 1995. Pat was on his way to being crowned champion apprentice for the first time and Ruby was a 7lb claiming amateur with two winners to his name. Picture: Healy Racing

May 15, 1994 was the first time I met Pat Smullen. I know because he rode Classical Affair at the Curragh for my father, but September 12, 1995 is the first time I remember talking to him because he rode and won on Dunemer for my dad in Galway that day, the day I got my junior cert results.

I remember it because I led her up and Pat asked me all the all about the filly as we headed around the Ballybrit parade ring before they headed off to the start. He was already on his way to being crowned champion apprentice for the first time and I was a mere 7lb claiming amateur with two winners to my name.