Ted Walsh: 'I've seen jockeys die - I just hoped I'd never see Ruby like that'
David Jennings catches up with one of the most recognisable voices in racing
The latest episode of TED talks comes to you from a cosy sitting room in County Kildare, just off the M7 motorway on the outskirts of Kill village.
"You know what drives me absolutely bananas? When I see lads fist-bumping each other. This idea of putting your fist against another fella's fist is just nonsense. I'd rather a fella kick me. And the same goes for touching elbows. That is vomit, absolute vomit. I feel like puking when I see that. If you can't shake hands with someone or throw your arms around them, just forget about it."
And we're off. The raw, unshackled authenticity that makes Ted Walsh one of the most compelling pundits racing has ever produced has not been refined by any pandemic. Nor has age wrinkled him. He looks as fresh at 70 as he did at 50. His eyes still jiving; his tongue continuing to do cartwheels.
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Published on inInterviews
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- 'You can see why people end up struggling - when you're trying to pay the electric bill, losing one ride can be massive'
- 'I've never paid six figures for a horse and never will - I learned pretty quickly you're only one phone call away from f*** all'
- 'I’ve trained some fabulous horses, worked with some excellent riders - maybe I have brought a little bit of talent to the table as well'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'He must have his breakfast earlier than Willie does' - Patrick Mullins goes behind enemy lines at Gordon Elliott's yard