Ruby Walsh: Not everyday is a good day – you have to take the rough with the smooth

It was a frustrating weekend, but not every day is going to be a good day – you have to take the rough with the smooth.

It wasn’t the ideal start for Footpad at Naas – to say the least. He slipped at the third fence and his hind legs landed well short of where they should have. He landed on the fence and probably got his injury there.

He was always on the back foot after that and you can’t afford to line up behind a horse like Saint Calvados and make a mistake so early in a race.

Footpad was careful at the next couple of fences and ultimately momentum overcame him at the last.

He got too far behind and I went out over his ears.

I couldn’t say I was closing on Saint Calvados at the time, so it’s pretty unsatisfactory, but that’s life.

An over-reach is a cut before the hair and the hoof. It’s not a serious injury as such, but will be sensitive and irritating for Footpad and Willie Mullins has already said it’ll take maybe 10 days to heal. I’m sure he’ll be back for Christmas though.

It’s unfortunate and not an ideal start to his campaign, but there’s nothing that can be done about it now.

We can only build on it and move forward.

I’d sooner get it out of the way and have a smooth run at it for the rest of the year.

Saldier just looked to be getting the better of Espoir D’allen in the Fishery Lane Hurdle, when he tipped up. He was indecisive and we paid the penalty.

He’d given me a great feel throughout the race, it was a pity he fell and then got kicked in the face by the horse behind him.

There were a lot of positives to take from that run though as the way he travelled, jumped and quickened up, indicates he’s a horse with a future.

He’s a fine, big, robust horse – not your typical juvenile.

A mistake two out, cost Quick Grabim dear on Sunday at Navan. We went into the race trying to beat the favourite Felix Desjy for speed, but the eventual winner Aramon proved no slouch, as he had won over 1m 3f on the Flat.

He benefited most from the stop-start nature of the race and did everyone for speed at the end.

The mistake Quick Grabim made just came at the wrong time.

We were giving the field 7lbs, but if they all meet again at Fairyhouse in the Royal Bond Novices Hurdle next month, it will be off level weights.

It’ll be a different ball game that day.

I’ve opted for My Sister Sarah over Stay Humble at Fairyhouse on Wednesday because she gets 11lb from her stablemate.

They’ve both won a bumper and they’ve both won a maiden hurdle, but she’s a handy filly getting a big weight concession and should appreciate the better ground. Stay Humble is improving too though, but hopefully I’ve made the right decision.