Ruby hoping to return at Punchestown
Walsh has been on the sidelines since dislocating his right shoulder and fracturing the top of his humerus in a horror fall at Cheltenham last month.
He was aboard the front running Abbyssial for Willie Mullins in the JCB Triumph Hurdle when the horse fell at the second flight.
He attended the Sports Surgery Clinic in Santry yesterday and was upbeat regarding a much faster return than had been anticipated.
Said Walsh: “I’d imagine, I will be riding at Punchestown. I got on very well (at Santry) and am making great progress.
“My humerus is healing well and the shoulder is very stable. If I keep progressing, I would expect to be sitting on a horse in two weeks’ time.
“The plan now is to continue with physio and gym work. I had an hour and a half of physio and conditioning today.
“I can safely say that if I had ridden ten lots in the morning, I would not have been blowing as hard or felt as bad afterwards.’’
Walsh’s plan is to ride on until the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil in June, but an operation will then be necessary.
Despite suffering his injury in the first race of the last day, Friday, at Cheltenham, he again ended the meeting as leading rider.
His desire to get back in time for Punchestown is understandable, considering the talent pool at Mullins’ disposal.
Among Walsh’s more high-profile rides will be Cheltenham heroes, Vautour, Faugheen and Quevega, along with Hurricane Fly, Champagne Fever, Arvika Ligeonniere and Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up, On His Own.
