Ruby Walsh: Despite current injury, Paul Townend looking good for a fourth jockeys title

Paul Townend in the Guinness Kerry National Handicap Chase earlier this week. Picture: INPHO/Bryan Keane

The excitement that the short evenings bring to a National Hunt jockey is unique. As a regular person, I dread them now, like my love of rain has changed places with my hatred of the sun. Everything that winter entails is what I used to live for but, Christmas aside, I already can’t wait for spring.

The excitement as autumn dawned in August - yes, that’s when it officially starts - and Willie Mullins’ yard filled with fat, sunbaked horses was always exciting. It still is, but it always brings fear too. Who, what or when would some bad news arrive?