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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker
Ruby Walsh Breaks Leg at Down Royal
06/11/10
Ruby Walsh could be facing months on the sidelines after suffering a fracture of his tibia and fibula in his right leg after a fall at Down Royal on Saturday. In a classic illustration of the highs and lows associated with the sport, Ruby had earlier ridden Kauto Star to victory in the Jnwine.com Champion Chase and The Nightingale in the following Grade 2 Ladbrokes.com Chase.
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In the next race on the card, Ruby took a crashing fall from Corrick Bridge trained by Tony Martin and was taken to Lagan Valley Hospital. After being transferred to the Royal Victoria in Belfast, it was confirmed that the Irishman had fractured his right tibia and fibula. It is not yet known how long his absence will be for but he is due to see his own specialist in the next few days.
Paul Nicholls’ stable number one Kauto Star was workmanlike in recording his opening victory of the season at Down Royal. After looking to face a real fight from Sizing Europe, the legendary chaser asserted after the last and won a shade cosily in the end. His trainer was both relieved and delighted, saying;
"It was just the start we wanted, he jumped great today which is just what we wanted him to do and we can go on from here. They all thought it rode a good race and the ground was quite testing so we are chuffed to bits.You never know after having a fall like he had whether they will lose their confidence, but we did a lot of work in the spring and Ruby rode him earlier in the week, his confidence is back. Stamina won the day. I shall know fairly quickly during the week whether he'll go for the Hennessy as I'll be able to tell how hard a race he had and what effect the journey has had. If he's back fresh and well and cantering he might go to the Hennessy, but if I find he's a bit quiet and I need to give him a couple of weeks off he won't go for the Hennessy."
Paddy Power make Kauto Star 6-4 favourite from 7-4 for a fifth King George on Boxing Day. William Hill are unchanged at 7-4 for the King George and go 7-1 about his chance in the Hennessy.
The runners in the Hereford 1.30 are about as far removed from top class as you can get but Woodlands Gem could be worth a minimum stakes interest at a price. The mare has been dropped 32 lb in 5 runs and whilst she was showing nothing when last seen, a 5-month break may just have freshened her up and she does have some ability when on song.
Recommendation: Hereford 1.30 – Woodlands Gem
