Ruby Walsh has returned to the saddle…yet again

Jockey Ruby Walsh has confirmed that he is back riding out.

But, he will remain in limbo, awaiting his surgeon’s verdict on whether or not he will be fit to ride in the French Champion Hurdle next weekend.

Speaking to Paddy Power News, Ruby said: “I’ve to go back to the surgeon next week to find out how it’s progressing. He’ll have the final say on whether I can compete in France, which was my aim.

He continued: “I’ve been riding away, but it’ll depend on what the x-ray throws up.”

Unlike prior to Punchestown, when he admitted being ruled out to ride at the festival came as no surprise, on this occasion the Kildare man sounds much more confident.

“I think it’s progressing,” he remarked.

Speaking about the next Saturday’s feature race, he added: “Willie Mullins has Yorkhill, Killultagh Vic, Bacardys, Let’s Dance and more. As always, Willie is targeting a few at this race. Yorkhill has entries at Killarney on Monday so I don’t know what the plan is with him, but they’re all still in full training and gearing up to run.

“It’s a huge pot and the English and Irish horses have had a good record in the race in recent years. L’Ami Serge won it last year, while Shaneshill finished third. Willie has won it on several occasions, and Paul Nicholls has also won it a couple of times.”

On the topic of the Four-Year-Old Hurdle, he added: “Mr Adjudicator, Msassa, Saglawy and Stormy Ireland are entered into this one. The latter is entered in Killarney on Sunday and is unlikely to go in France. But the others are in good form.

“Mr Adjudicator stayed on well at Cheltenham and Punchestown. Saglawy has improved since then and Msassa won at Sligo last week but will also need to improve. Mr Adjudicator is probably the one with the best chance,” he said.

Djackadam is entered in the Grand Steeplechase de Paris.

Commenting on his chances, Ruby added: “It’s over 3m6f and it will still be difficult enough for him. It’s a long time since he ran in France so running over the French jumps will be a tough ask, but it’s worth having a go. His outing at Punchestown suggests that he’s still bang on form.”