Ruby Walsh: Why miss an open goal?

Having no Irish racing the Saurday before Christmas is baffling

BACK FOR MORE: Champ may be able to roll back the years in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday. Picture: Healy Racing

Mon, 25 Dec, 2023 - 12:23

Ruby Walsh is one of the most successful jump jockeys in racing history and is now a high‑profile analyst and broadcaster.

I know I write this line every year, but why, in an entertainment business, is a glorious opportunity like Saturday December 23rd left blank in Irish racing? It is baffling, and it even has me wondering, after seeing the success first-hand of how Melbourne Cup week works, if either Leopardstown or Limerick should be moving their last day's racing from December 29 to today.

Flemington races on Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday instead of four days in a row. Without ever having been in Limerick for day four but having not missed Leopardstown too often, December 29 is the day most in need of attention.