Turf Club doctor confident Ruby Walsh will be back in time for Cheltenham

Ruby Walsh, out of action since fracturing his right tibia in a crashing fall from Let's Dance at Punchestown on November 18, is expected to be fully fit in time for the Cheltenham Festival, according to chief Turf Club medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick.

McGoldrick said: “I haven’t spoken to Ruby since Christmas time but he’ll be back for Cheltenham. I’d be quite confident of that. I’m not so sure if he’ll be back any sooner than that and I’ll be guided by the specialists on the matter, but I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t be back in time for Cheltenham.”

Danny Mullins would have been capitalising on Walsh’s misfortune by taking the mount on some Willie Mullins stars had he not been struck down with an injury of his own. Mullins has ridden 30 winners this season, ten of which have been recorded for his uncle and champion trainer Willie.

McGoldrick confirmed the jockey should make a full recovery from a wrist injury in time to return before the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, which begins on Saturday, February 3.

McGoldrick said: “Danny had a little procedure on his wrist and he'll hopefully be back within about two weeks’ time.”

Jody McGarvey, who fractured his T8 vertebra in a fall in September, was not long back from that injury before he injured his chest and neck in another fall at Limerick over the Christmas period. He is due for assessment in two weeks’ time.

McGoldrick added: “I saw Jody in Kilkenny two weeks ago and I’m due to see him for review in another fortnight. We will know more about his situation when I see him.”

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