We can feel Walsh's pain but Townend merits time at the top
When Ruby Walsh spoke during the latest edition of Luck on Sunday, the pain in his voice was obvious. The pain did not come from his broken leg but from the knowledge that on many of the Saturdays to come he will miss out in the way he missed out on the Saturday just gone.
Walsh was not indulging in self-pity, nor would he want our pity. It is a great shame for him he will be out of action for most of the core season. It is a great shame for us we will be denied the sight of an exceptional horseman in action.
Yet for Paul Townend, Walsh's misfortune provides a wonderful chance to shine. About that he should feel no shame whatsoever.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on 3 December 2017inComment
Last updated 15:53, 4 December 2017
- The whole shape of the Irish Flat season is being defined by one man only - and even his main targets lie elsewhere
- Analysis: Flutter and 888 have enjoyed contrasting fortunes but they still have things in common
- Only a baby step but an important one if racing is to keep some of its David v Goliath moments
- There are so many great betting opportunities on Saturday - here are my best bets including a very strong Curragh fancy
- Coolmore and Godolphin spare the sport some embarrassment - and not for the first time
- The whole shape of the Irish Flat season is being defined by one man only - and even his main targets lie elsewhere
- Analysis: Flutter and 888 have enjoyed contrasting fortunes but they still have things in common
- Only a baby step but an important one if racing is to keep some of its David v Goliath moments
- There are so many great betting opportunities on Saturday - here are my best bets including a very strong Curragh fancy
- Coolmore and Godolphin spare the sport some embarrassment - and not for the first time