Walsh back in action

Ruby Walsh makes his eagerly-awaited return from a five-week spell on the sidelines at Thurles on Sunday.

The Irish jockey has been absent since dislocating his shoulder when falling from the ill-fated Willyanwoody at Cheltenham in November.

Walsh is set to resume his all-conquering partnership with Kauto Star in Kempton’s Stan James King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, but will test the water first with two rides on Sunday.

He will ride Paramount for his father, Ted, in the Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle before getting the leg up on Cousin Peter in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Fund Maiden Hurdle.

“He has two rides at Thurles on Sunday,” said Jennifer Walsh, the rider’s agent and sister.

“He rides Paramount for Dad and Cousin Peter for Willie Mullins – that’s it.

“Obviously he is really looking forward to coming back. He has lots of good horses to look forward to over Christmas and it should be great.”

Walsh has missed out on a string of big winners in the last month with trainer Paul Nicholls’ second jockey, Sam Thomas, picking up the bulk of the rides.

Thomas partnered Kauto Star to victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, as well as claiming the Becher Chaser aboard Mr Pointment just a day later.

Denman also obliged for Thomas in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup while he was aboard Twist Magic for his Tingle Creek win.

As well as Kauto Star in the King George, Walsh can look forward to Denman in the Lexus Chase among a host of other top-class runners for Nicholls and Mullins.

The latter, for whom Walsh rides as stable jockey in Ireland, is keen to have his main man back in the saddle over the busy Christmas period.

“It’s good to have him back so hopefully all will go well,” said Mullins.

“It’s been quite frustrating for him sitting on the sidelines watching a lot of good horses winning.”