We do not envy him, having to make that decision
With just days to go until Cheltenham, punters, trainers and jockeys are all feeling the equine equivalent of ‘squeaky bum time’.
One of the biggest talking points ante-post was where Ruby Walsh would put his saddle for the Champion Hurdle, with a straight choice of Hurricane Fly or Faugheen. Even up to this morning, Walsh was reportedly undecided on what horse he would take to the starting post. However, he has now made his decision and he’s going to plump for the younger superstar in the Closutton yard.
Speaking this afternoon Walsh feels that he has a better chance of claiming the title aboard Faugheen with Paul Townend now booked to ride Hurricane Fly.
The news was announced via on twitter by Willie Mullins himself:
I can confirm that @Ruby_Walsh will ride #Faugheen & @PTownend will ride #HurricaneFly in the @stanjames Champion Hurdle @CheltenhamRaces
— Willie Mullins (@WillieMullinsNH) March 7, 2015
Walsh himself explained the decision to leave a horse that he has enjoyed unparalleled success on for the son of Germany. He believes Faugheen’s younger legs can take him to glory,
‘You can only ride one in the Champion Hurdle and I think Faugheen is the one that is going to win. I think his younger legs might be the difference, but there is every chance I might be wrong. Their last bits of work were very good, but I have just come down in favour of Faugheen.
Mullins’ selections for Cheltenham are making their way to England this afternoon by ferry, and he has also confirmed that he has aimed Annie Power for the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle, instead of the World Hurdle.
In other Cheltenham news today, Harry Fry has confirmed that Rock on Ruby is out of the World Hurdle after developing a problem this morning
Rock On Ruby is out of the World Hurdle http://t.co/zHuOfHny9P
— Harry Fry Racing (@HarryFryRacing1) March 7, 2015
According to a statement made by the trainer the horse was withdrawn after a disappointing workout just days before the action
‘I am sorry to say that Rock On Ruby will miss the Ladbrokes World Hurdle after working poorly at home this morning. He was clearly not himself, which is very disappointing for everyone involved with the horse. He scoped dirty afterwards and is now on a course of antibiotics’
H/T to SportingLife
