Ruby Walsh hopeful of being back for Punchestown

Ruby Walsh’s hopes of returning from injury in time for the Punchestown Festival received a boost after the champion jockey visited a specialist yesterday afternoon.

Walsh sustained the wrist injury in his fall from Blood Cotil in the Topham Chase over the National Fences at Aintree on Friday afternoon and, after standing down from his intended rides for the remainder of the card, also missed the winning rides on Yorkhill and Douvan, and his intended mount in the Grand National on Saturday.

It had been feared he might be out for the remainder of the season but, following his clinic visit, Walsh was hopeful he will return in time for the season finale.

“I went to see a specialist in the Sports Surgery Clinic in Santry yesterday and he was cautiously optimistic I might recover in time for Punchestown,” revealed Walsh.

“He said that if I do everything right, there might be a small chance I’d make it back for the festival.

“That might seem like a minor boost, but the fact he was in some way optimistic was enough of a ray of hope for me - it put some fire in the belly.

“We had a great Cheltenham and the form continued to Aintree, and there is so much to look forward to at Punchestown I will be doing everything I can to make it there.

“It’s still a couple of weeks away, and I have every intention of being fit to ride there for the week.”

The Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday April 26 until Saturday, April 30.

Here’s a little extra sport. Watch the latest BallTalk for the best sports chat and analysis: 

Premier League Manager of the season 

Premier League Player of the season 

Premier League Flops of the Season