Walsh aiming for swift return

Ruby Walsh expects to return to the saddle at the end of January after suffering a double fracture to his right leg at Down Royal on Saturday.

Just over an hour after partnering Kauto Star to victory in the JNwine.com Champion Chase, Walsh suffered the injury after coming to grief on Corrick Bridge in the Rainbow Telecom Handicap Chase.

The jockey reports his subsequent operation to have gone well and he is trying to remain upbeat.

“The operation all went well yesterday and I’ll be back home tomorrow,” Walsh told racinguk.com.

“I reckon I’m looking at 12 weeks out. I heard one newspaper said I could be out for six months – but I haven’t broken my neck!

“These things happen and you can’t all be doom and gloom about it, and at least I’ll get a chance to spend some time with my family.”