Ruby Walsh ruled out of Aintree but hopes to be back for Punchestown

Ruby Walsh, who aggravated an old injury at last week’s Cheltenham Festival, has ruled out making a return in time for Aintree but remains hopeful he will back in the saddle for next month’s Punchestown festival.

Walsh, who recorded a double on the opening day at Cheltenham, suffered a fall from Al Boum Photo at the second-last in the RSA Chase on day two, and was immediately brought to Gloucester Royal Hospital.

It was just his fourth day back in action, having broken his leg in a fall from Let’s Dance at Punchestown in November, and it was the injury from which he had just returned which was aggravated.