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Ruby Walsh: Time for Marine Nationale to wear the crown in a weekend of cracking contests

After sharing the hopeful liftoff and bump back to Kempton reality with Paul Townend and Mark Walsh, we all turn our attentions to a mouthwatering few days ahead on this side of the water

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025 - 06:45

Ruby Walsh

St. Stephen’s morning began in typical fashion for me, but travelling on the 26th is a luxury compared to doing so pre-Christmas. No traffic, an empty airport, and no queuing. What caught my eye was the number of day trippers on the EI154 bound for Kempton Park. I have been on this flight more times than I can remember, but Kauto Star never drew many fans from Dublin. It seemed Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File did.

Paul Townend sat opposite me, and Mark Walsh was in front of us. When the captain came on at 7:17am to say he had requested an early departure slot, you hoped all their luck hadn’t been used before they even left Dublin!

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