13 March 2024 , 18:55
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Legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh is the all-time most successful jockey at the Cheltenham Festival.
He rode 59 winners and was crowned leading jockey 11 times until he hung up his saddle for good in 2019. He is now heavily in demand as a pundit, working for RacingTV, ITV Racing and is an ambassador for bookmaker Paddy Power.
Walsh, who is still very closely involved with the Willie Mullins stable, has picked out selections from seven races on day three of the meeting.
1.30 – FACILE VEGA
I’m not going to desert Facile Vega. The way Willie Mullins turned around Gaelic Warrior shows you can’t go against his runners. I know Willie holds Facile Vega in a high regard. It’s his last chance but I’ll stick with him.
2.10 – GAOTH CHUIL
I’m with my Dad’s mare Gaoth Chuil. She will definitely stay and Shane O’Callaghan takes off a 5lb claim. He’ll take his time on her and make a move late on. I’m hoping she can run into the money.
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2.50 – ENVOI ALLEN
I’ve been on Envoi Allen for a while and I’m not going to desert him now. His record at Cheltenham speaks for itself and Henry de Bromhead’s horses have done brilliantly this week.”
3.30 – NOBLE YEATS (EW)
I’m with Noble Yeats for Emmet Mullins. He stays and he’s got cheekpieces on for the first time. I can’t see him finishing outside of the first three.
4.10 – RIAAN (EW)
I like Riaan at a decent each-way price. Jack Kennedy not riding him has maybe put me off a little bit but I was really impressed with his run at the Dublin Racing Festival. I’ll stick with him.
4.50 – JADE DE GRUGY
The way Gordon Elliott talks about Brighterdaysahead is infectious. When he isn’t on the fence about one of his runners it’s worth listening. I can’t desert Willie Mullins’ Jade De Grugy but maybe I should listen to Gordon!
5.30 – AMIRITE (EW) & WHERE IT ALL BEGAN (EW)
Inothewayurthinkin is at the top of the market but I have my doubts over the 3m2f distance and his pedigree. Instead, I’ll have two picks and side with Amirite and Where It All Began as each-way picks.
Ruby Walsh was speaking to Paddy Power