It’s been a mixed day for the Walsh family in Cheltenham.
Ruby suffered a suspected repeat broken leg, just five months after his original break.
The festival’s most successful ever jockey went through the wringer, both emotionally and physically to make it back in time for Cheltenham. He’d pushed his body to the limit, successfully but by Wednesday, he was back to where he started.
The Kildare man suffered a crashing fall off his mount Al Boum Photo in the RSA Chase, and with that his leg was broken and his Cheltenham was over.
Ruby Walsh has been stood down for the rest of the day @CheltenhamRaces with a suspected broken leg. Jockey changes:
Paul Townend – Max Dynamite (2.50)
Patrick Mullins – Douvan (3.30)#TheFestival pic.twitter.com/49Vz3CAWss— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 14, 2018
In regrettable scenes, Ruby, arm locked around his father Ted, was aided off the race track towards the on track ambulance. Sister Katie looked on as he was airlifted the hospital. Trainer Willie Mullins confirmed that he had indeed suffered a repeat break soon after.
Obviously, that put a downer on the whole day for the Walsh family, but true to the up and down nature of horse racing, Katie was soon putting a bright tint to the tough day.
She steered Relegate to glory in the final race of the day, the Champion Bumper. Everything is relative, though.
Speaking to Racing UK after her victory, her concern for her brother was clear. That was her priority. Once she could see he was okay, relief was the prevailing emotion. That was all that mattered.
“Ah sure I’m torn a bit to be honest. I’m a very emotional person anyway. I really appreciate days like this.
“In the back of my mind, yeah I feel sorry for Ruby, but once I came around the corner and he was up and he was talking, to me that’s the main thing.
“It’s not as bad as it first seemed so he’ll be back. It could be an awful lot worse I know.”
"It's not as bad as it first seemed." –
Katie Walsh emotionally discusses her success aboard Relegate in the Champion Bumper @CheltenhamRaces and brother Ruby's injury. #TheFestival pic.twitter.com/U80J1ZQEId— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 14, 2018
It’s a tough old game.
Video Credit: Racing UK.
