12 time Irish Champion jockey Ruby Walsh is set to return for the start of the jumps season at the weekend with the goal this year of trying to make i through a whole season without any serious injuries.
Walsh is really looking forward to getting back in the saddle and get himself ready for a record breaking season with Willie Mullins who is retained rider for having one of the best stables in his career.
The Irishman returns from his latest injury in which he picked up two serious ones during the season the worst being at Cheltenham where he had just come back from a broken leg and unfortunately broke the other one when Al Boum Photo fell on him.
On the Sunday he has two rides at Limerick racecourse both over the hurdles for his trainer Willie Mullins. The first comes in the first race of the day in the Listed Novice Hurdle over 2 mile 5 furlongs and he rides Getareason who has a strong chance.
His second and final run of the day is in the other Listed contest on the day in the Mares Hurdle over 2 miles 6 furlongs with Good Thyne Tara who has been in good form of late.
Since his fall at Killarney which sidelined again he hasn't been seen and last season for Walsh was a disappointing one hardly seeing him ride at all. In total he had 10 winners from 29 rides which is not a bad strike rate but nothing like his other seasons.
Walsh explained his frustration of his injury but is really looking forward to being back in the racing scene.
(Credit At The Races) The jockey said: “I had a lot of bruising to my ribs and vertebrae in my back and was in a brace for a couple of weeks,”
“It didn’t come off until last week, so it took me a couple of days to get back riding out.“The season is only starting but I’ve still missed plenty of winners and I much prefer to be riding than watching all the time.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to it at Limerick.”