I'VE pretty much known Ruby Walsh since my first day as a jockey, so it feels a bit strange that he has retired in the same week that I make my return from injury.
So our paths won’t cross again in the weighing room.
He always offered advice to the young lads, and he is someone that everyone looked up to. Not just for his talent, but for his grit and ability to keep on bouncing back from injury after injury.
He was a fantastic jockey, so it was fitting that he went out at the top after riding a Grade 1 winner.
As for me, it’s just great to be back after being out since December, with a broken leg and after shoulder surgery, and being busy again.
Long may it continue!
Uttoxeter
2.10pm
Bigchextocash
He has been well-beaten in all his starts over hurdles but his handicap mark pretty much reflects that and he ran okay over 2m at Ludlow in February. This step up in trip should suit this former pointer, and hopefully the first-time cheek pieces will help, too. But he obviously needs to show improved form here.
4.00pm
Fingerontheswitch
I won on him at Wetherby earlier in the season and he looks to have shaped well on his first start since November when third at that track last month. He is 6lb higher than for that win, but trip and ground will suit, so here is hoping.
5.05pm
Grange Ranger
He showed definite ability in his sole Irish point – it looks like he fell when leading at the last – but he had a lot of time off afterwards. He shaped well on his hurdling debut at Fontwell, and okay at Southwell last time, but hopefully he can show improved form here, stepping up in trip on his chasing and handicap debut.
