WE were all taken by surprise after Ruby Walsh announced his retirement on Wednesday at Punchestown. He has been a credit to his profession and is arguably one of the best riders, this country ever produced. He has gone out on his own terms – on a Grade 1 winner for Willie and more importantly, he departed the scene in one piece.

He got a terrific reception. I know everyone loves Cheltenham, but the national hunt season really ends at Punchestown and for him to retire after winning biggest race of the week, at what is, his local track, in front of his family and friends, was the perfect way to go.

It’s been a great festival and our big horse for the week is Supasundae, who goes for back to back victories in the Champion Hurdle and here are my thoughts on him and my other two runners.

4.20

Jetz (Robert Power)

He has been running well all season and this is a lovely pot to aim a nice horse like him at. He has a workable weight and he’s in good form. He’s not an easy horse to place, but this looks a suitable race for him. It’s hard to say that he’s a well handicapped horse – he’s run plenty during the winter, but he looks great and I’ve been very happy with him. It’s just of case of whether he’s good enough. There isn’t a big field and the nice ground will be fine for him, so we’ll give it go.

5.30

Supasundae (Robert Power)

He has been a star for us and he bids for back to back victories in this race. With the likes of Apples Jade, Wicklow Brave and Petit Mouchoir in the line-up, there is bound to be plenty of pace on, and that is what he wants. He was very good at Aintree and he has bounced out of that race in great form. He looks super and the good ground will be perfect for him. This is very much his time of the year and I’m hopeful that he’ll run a big race. It looks a terrific renewal and we are really looking forward to it. The seven horses declared have won 25 Grade 1’s between them and it’ll be some race.

7.45

Gold Des Bois (Finny Maguire)

He’s a nice horse. He has won a point to point and I’d like to think that he’ll be a nice hurdler/chaser down the road. He has a nice bit done and this looks a good starting off point for him. We like him and I’m hoping that he’ll run a decent race. There are a lot of horses that come under the ‘could be anything’ category. It’s a hard to race to evaluate, with so many newcomers in the line up. But we’ll give it and see how he gets on.