Ruby returns at Leopardstown

Ruby Walsh was in action after racing at Leopardstown as he put Mikael D'Haguenet through his paces today.

Walsh has been out of the competitive arena since suffering a broken in a fall on Corrick Bridge at Down Royal in November, just an hour after winning the JNwine.com Champion Chase on Kauto Star.

But with Cheltenham looming on the horizon, Walsh plans to be back race-riding this week, possibly at Taunton on Thursday.

Entered in the Arkle Trophy, RSA Chase and World Hurdle at Cheltenham next month, the Willie Mullins-trained Mikael D'Haguenet jumped a circuit of the Dublin track in company with stablemates Some Target, Pomme Tiepy and Quel Esprit, finishing upsides the latter.

This afternoon at Leopardstown is traditionally a busy one after racing but this year was particularly quiet, with a number of Cheltenham contenders, including Big Zeb, expected to work tomorrow.