Kauto Star: the choice of Ruby Walsh for the Cheltenham Gold Cup

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/racingpostpix.com  

Walsh has 'no idea' if his decision is the right one

RUBY WALSH admits that his decision to ride Kauto Star over Denman in the Totesport Gold Cup in March "was very difficult" and says he has "no idea" if it is the correct choice.

Tony McCoy has been snapped up to ride the 2008 Gold Cup winner after Walsh told his owners that he would be staying loyal to Kauto Star, a horse who has provided him with two Gold Cup victories.

Quoted in Saturday's Irish Examiner, Walsh said: "The reason for having to make such an early choice came when Denman's owners were anxious that whoever rode their horse at Newbury would also be aboard at Cheltenham.

"The reasoning was that they simply want Tony to get a feel of Denman at Newbury.

"That's obviously fair to everyone involved, although I have to admit I would love to be able to sit on it for another couple of weeks.

"Denman's performance at Newbury is going to be crucial and, in an ideal world, I'd have wanted to wait until after that race.

"Anyway, what's done is done and, as long as we both remain sound, Kauto and I will be seeking a third Gold Cup in five weeks and six days' time.

"But I'm long enough in this game to know that so much can change between now and then.

"Tony and Iand Kauto and Denman have to arrive in one piece before all of this falls into place.

"It was a very difficult decision and I have no idea if I've got it right."