05 February 2023 , 16:19
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Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Mark Walsh has been rushed to hospital after suffering a back injury following a brutal fall.
Walsh was competing at the Dublin Festival at Leopardstown on Sunday aboard Risk Belle in the Mares' Handicap Hurdle. Walsh and his runner Risk Belle headed into Sunday's opening race as favourites, but things did not go to plan after the rider was unseated partway through.
The favourite was travelling neatly tucked in behind the leaders, before the mare made a mistake at the fifth hurdle. A heavy fall followed for Walsh, who appeared to be in discomfort after hitting the Leopardstown turf.
The racecourse medical team immediately attended the fallen jockey, as Risk Belle galloped away from the scene un-hurt. Following his on-track treatment, Walsh was then rushed to St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin for further tests.
Despite the concerning scenes, a spokesperson from the event confirmed Walsh had been taken for a further check up, but had been 'conscious at all times' and was able to move all of his limbs.
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Mark Walsh was rushed to hospital in Dublin (PA)The statement said: "Mark Walsh has been stood down for the day following his fall in race one. He has been transferred to St. Vincent’s Hospital for precautionary x-rays but was conscious at all times and moving all limbs.”
Walsh was set to ride the highly rated Gentleman De Mee in the Grade 1 Dublin Chase later in the day, but was replaced in the saddle by Danny Mullins due to his injury. Despite the jockey switch, Gentleman De Mee over-through odds on favourite Blue Lord to secure an impressive victory in the Irish capital.
The injury is yet another set back for Walsh, after the Irishman had only returned to the saddle on Saturday after being out of action for a month. The Irishman marked his return yesterday with a win, after guiding Perceval Legallois to victory in the Handicap Hurdle.