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Rupert "Ruby" Walsh (born 14 May 1979) is an Irish former jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.[2] Widely regarded as one of the greatest National Hunt jockeys of all time,[3][4][5] Walsh is the third most prolific winner in British and Irish jump racing history behind only Sir Anthony McCoy and Richard Johnson.[1]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Showing talent from an early age, Walsh won the Irish amateur title twice, in 1996/97 (aged 18) and 1997/98, before turning professional.[2] He won the English Grand National in 2000 at his first attempt, aged 20, on Papillon,[6] a horse trained by his father and owned by Mrs J Maxwell Moran.[2] Father and son then went on to win the Irish Grand National with Commanche Court the same year. In the 2004/05 season Walsh won three of the four Nationals: the Irish on the 2006 Grand National winner, Numbersixvalverde, the Welsh on subsequent 2007 Grand National winner Silver Birch, and the English on Hedgehunter. He rode Cornish Rebel in the Scottish, but was beaten a short head by Joe's Edge. However, he had earlier success in that race on Take Control in 2002 and following the retirement in 2015 of Tony McCoy, became the only jockey then riding to have won all four Nationals. Walsh has one of the best Grand National records amongst contemporary jockeys, having won the race twice (2000, 2005), finished second once (2006), third once (2009), and fourth twice (2001, 2002). Walsh has suffered a number of serious injuries, the worst of which was a broken leg sustained in 1999 at Pardubice in the Czech Republic.

During his career Walsh rode more than 2,500 winners, including 59 at the Cheltenham Festival, since his first win in 1998 on Alexander Banquet. These include the 2004 Queen Mother Champion Chase on Azertyuiop, the 2007 and 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup on the favourite, Kauto Star[2] and two subsequent Champion Chase successes in 2008 and 2009 on the brilliant Master Minded. He also won both the 2006 Tingle Creek Chase and the King George VI Chase on Kauto Star. He repeated the King George feat, again on Kauto Star, in 2007 (just days after returning from injury), 2008, and 2009 when Kauto Star won impressively by 36 lengths. He reclaimed the King George VI Chase in 2011 on board Kauto Star after Long Run won the race in 2010. He won the Hennessy Gold Cup twice, in 2003 on Strong Flow, and 2009 with Denman. He also won the Whitbread Gold Cup twice, in 2001 and 2003 (the latter when it was run as the Attheraces Gold Cup), both times on Ad Hoc. In 2007, Walsh won the inaugural British Horseracing Board Jockeys' Order of Merit award.

Walsh was Irish jump jockey champion twelve times – 1998/99, 2000/01, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17. His dominance of the jockeys' championship in Ireland was all the more remarkable inasmuch as for a period of more than ten years he had a unique riding arrangement with two powerful stables, one on either side of the Irish Sea. Based in Calverstown, County Kildare, where he lives with his wife Gillian, he rode predominantly for Willie Mullins in Ireland. Previously he also spent a substantial proportion of his time riding in England for Somerset-based champion trainer Paul Nicholls, the former trainer of Kauto Star.[2] Walsh also took the occasional ride for his father, Ted, and a variety of other Irish trainers.

In January 2007, Walsh achieved the fastest-ever century of winners in Irish jumps racing history aboard Bluestone Lad at Gowran Park. He ended the 2006/07 season with a combined total in Ireland and the UK of 198 winners, more than any other jockey from either country that year. (This total was later increased to 200 on the disqualification of two horses for positive tests to banned substances. In both instances, Walsh had ridden the subsequently-promoted runners-up.) He repeated this feat in 2007/08, riding his 200th winner on Andreas at Sandown on his penultimate ride of the season. He rode his 1,000th Irish winner, Rare Article, at Sligo in May 2008.

At the 2009 Cheltenham Festival Walsh rode a record-breaking seven winners over the four days. He equalled that record at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival. On the second day of the 2010 festival he rode Sanctuaire to victory in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Handicap Hurdle, thereby becoming the jockey with the most wins in the history of the Festival.

In March 2011, Walsh rode Hurricane Fly to victory in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, finishing ahead of Peddlers Cross and Oscar Whisky. It was Walsh's first victory in the feature race of the opening day.[7]

He won his 2,500th race on Au Quart De Tour at Gowran Park on 20 January 2016.[8]

As of 2019, Walsh remained the Festival's most successful rider and won the leading rider's award eleven times within a fourteen-year span.[9] In August 2015 Walsh won the Australian Grand National on Bashboy.[10][11][12]

On 1 May 2019, Walsh announced his retirement from racing with immediate effect after a career spanning 24 years. The announcement was made after he rode Kemboy to victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup. It was the 213th Grade One win for Walsh.[13][14][15][16]

Statistics

[edit]
Cheltenham Festival winners (59)[17]
Year Race Mount
1998 Champion Bumper Alexander Banquet
2002 Mildmay of Flete Handicap Chase Blowing Wind
2003 Arkle Challenge Trophy Azertyuiop
2004 Queen Mother Champion Chase Azertyuiop
Grand Annual Chase St Pirran
County Hurdle Sporazene
2005 Champion Bumper Missed That
Daily Telegraph Chase Thisthatandtother
2006 Supreme Novices' Hurdle Noland
William Hill Trophy Dun Doire
County Hurdle Desert Quest
2007 Royal & SunAlliance Chase Denman
Ryanair Chase Taranis
Cheltenham Gold Cup Kauto Star
2008 Queen Mother Champion Chase Master Minded
Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle Fiveforthree
Triumph Hurdle Celestial Halo
2009 David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle Quevega
Queen Mother Champion Chase Master Minded
World Hurdle Big Buck's
Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle Mikael d'Haguenet
RSA Chase Cooldine
Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle American Trilogy
Cheltenham Gold Cup Kauto Star
2010 David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle Quevega
Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle Sanctuaire
World Hurdle Big Buck's
2011 Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle Al Ferof
Stan James Champion Hurdle Hurricane Fly
David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle Quevega
World Hurdle Big Buck's
Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle Final Approach
2012 World Hurdle Big Buck's
David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle Quevega
2013 Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle Champagne Fever
Stan James Champion Hurdle Hurricane Fly
David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle Quevega
Champion Bumper Briar Hill
2014 Supreme Novices' Hurdle Vautour
David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle Quevega
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle Faugheen
2015 Supreme Novices' Hurdle Douvan
Arkle Challenge Trophy Un de Sceaux
Champion Hurdle Faugheen
JLT Novices' Chase Vautour
2016 Arkle Challenge Trophy Douvan
Champion Hurdle Annie Power
David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle Vroum Vroum Mag
Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle Yorkhill
JLT Novices' Chase Black Hercules
Ryanair Chase Vautour
Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle Limini
2017 JLT Novices' Chase Yorkhill
Ryanair Chase Un de Sceaux
Stayers' Hurdle Nichols Canyon
Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle Let's Dance
2018 Arkle Challenge Trophy Footpad
David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle Benie Des Dieux
2019 Supreme Novices' Hurdle Klassical Dream

He was the leading jockey at the Festival 11 times: 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Irish Jump Racing wins season by season[18]

Season Runs Wins Win %
1994/95 3 0 0
1995/96 77 8 10
1996/97 184 30 16
1997/98 230 41 18
1998/99 503 95 19
1999/00 239 33 14
2000/01 480 84 18
2001/02 444 84 19
2002/03 488 78 16
2003/04 360 70 19
2004/05 527 111 21
2005/06 422 90 21
2006/07 562 125 22
2007/08 547 131 24
2008/09 512 121 24
2009/10 424 128 25
2010/11 192 45 23
2011/12 358 85 24
2012/13 340 101 30
2013/14 403 122 30
2014/15 253 79 31
2015/16 350 105 30
2016/17 371 131 35

GB Jump Racing wins season by season[18]

Season Runs Wins Win %
1997/98 14 2 14
1998/99 13 1 8
1999/00 8 1 13
2000/01 18 5 28
2001/02 68 13 19
2002/03 295 76 26
2003/04 294 62 29
2004/05 311 81 26
2005/06 236 69 29
2006/07 291 75 26
2007/08 229 69 30
2008/09 252 69 27
2009/10 234 69 29
2010/11 106 26 25
2011/12 221 55 25
2012/13 211 57 27
2013/14 25 7 28
2014/15 56 13 23
2015/16 45 14 31
2016/17 24 6 25

Injuries

[edit]

Like many jump jockeys, Walsh has suffered a number of serious injuries, the worst of which was a broken leg sustained in 1999 at Pardubice in the Czech Republic, a course he was visiting to compete in the famous Great Pardubice Steeplechase. He later broke the same leg while schooling a horse and was out of action for a total of five months that season, but recovered in time to partner Papillon to win his first Grand National.

Walsh has also fractured his wrist twice, dislocated one hip and fractured the other, cracked his elbow, dislocated both shoulders and suffered cracked and badly bruised vertebrae. A fall at the Paddy Power meeting at Cheltenham in November 2008 resulted in Walsh having his spleen removed in an emergency operation.[19] He returned to the saddle just 27 days later.

Walsh fractured his left ankle during a fall from the ill-fated Imperial Hills, trained by Willie Mullins at Killarney in May 2009. During his time off he was present to saddle Sesenta for Willie Mullins in the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot.

During the run-up to the 2010 Grand National he broke his left arm after a fall from Celestial Halo. His horse fell and they both seemed to have got away unscathed, but a horse racing behind them landed on his arm while he was on the ground, breaking it in two places. Walsh suffered an injury in the same race in 2012 after a fall from Zarkander which ruled him out of the 2012 Grand National.

On the last day of the 2014 Cheltenham Festival Walsh sustained a compound fracture of the humerus in a fall in the Triumph Hurdle.[20]

On the day before the 2016 Grand National Walsh fractured his wrist after falling in the Topham chase on Blood Cotil.[21]

On 18 November 2017 Walsh fractured his right leg in a fall at Punchestown and did not return until 3 March 2018.[22][23] On day two of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival Walsh aggravated his late 2017 injury.

Trainer split

[edit]

In May 2013 it was announced that Walsh and Paul Nicholls were to split following Walsh's decision to spend more time in Ireland with his young family. However they parted on good terms and Walsh continued to ride the occasional Nicholls horse, including winning on Al Ferof in the Grade 2 Amlin Chase at Ascot in November 2014.[24]

Personal life

[edit]

Walsh married Gillian Doran in July 2006. Their first child, Isabelle, was born in October 2009. The couple have gone on to have three more daughters, Elsa, Gemma and Erica.

  • His sister Katie Walsh is also one of the top female jockeys.
  • His brother Ted Walsh Junior is married to female jockey Nina Carberry.
[edit]

Walsh is mentioned in a song by the famous singer/songwriter Christy Moore called "The Ballad of Ruby Walsh," which appears on his album "Listen." The song is based on Christy's real life experience of watching the jockey at the Galway races.

Television

[edit]

Walsh featured in a TG4 documentary called "Jump Boys". It followed the journeys of Walsh, Barry Geraghty and Davy Russell over the course of the 2011/12 season. It aired on 28 November 2012.[25] He has also occasionally worked as a racing pundit for RTÉ while injured and has appeared on the Channel 4 Racing Saturday morning programme The Morning Line on a number of occasions. Walsh has also featured in a number of well received commercials for the bookmaker Paddy Power, in particular a recent commercial prior to the Cheltenham Festival 2016 where he confronts an angry Twitter troll and allegations that jockeys intentionally throw themselves off their horses.[26][27]

Major wins

[edit]

Republic of Ireland Ireland

United Kingdom Great Britain

France France

Australia Australia

  • Ecycle Solutions Grand National Steeplechase -(1) Bashboy (2015)

United States United States

Japan Japan

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ruby Walsh

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from Grokipedia
Rupert "Ruby" Walsh (born 14 May 1979) is an Irish former professional National Hunt renowned for his exceptional career spanning 24 years, during which he amassed 2,756 winners across and Britain (1,980 in and 776 in Britain), including a record 59 victories at the and two triumphs in the Grand National. Walsh, widely regarded as one of the greatest jump jockeys in history, retired abruptly on 1 May 2019 after guiding Kemboy to victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup, marking the end of a tenure defined by tactical brilliance, resilience against numerous injuries, and partnerships with legendary horses such as , Hurricane Fly, and Big Buck's. Born in , Walsh hails from a prominent family; he is the eldest son of , a former champion amateur and well-known broadcaster, and the brother of fellow Katie Walsh, with whom he shared family successes including the 2000 Grand National win aboard Papillon, trained by their father. His grandfather, also named Ruby Walsh, was a notable figure in Irish , instilling a deep-rooted passion from an early age. Walsh claimed his first winner in on Siren Song at Gowran Park under his father's training, quickly rising to prominence as a 12-time Irish champion and multiple leading rider at major festivals, often riding for top trainers like and Paul Nicholls. Walsh's career highlights include securing the twice—on Kauto Star in 2007 and 2009—along with 4 wins, including two on Hurricane Fly, establishing him as the Festival's most prolific with leading rider honors 11 times between 2004 and 2017. In the Grand National, he not only won in 2000 with Papillon but repeated the feat in 2005 aboard Hedgehunter, adding to a legacy bolstered by victories in other marquee races like the on Commanche Court in 2000. Despite suffering severe injuries, including multiple broken bones and a 2017 fall that sidelined him for months, Walsh's composure under pressure and ability to maximize equine talent earned him universal acclaim, with 1,980 of his wins coming in Ireland. Since retiring at age 39, Walsh has transitioned successfully into , serving as a leading analyst and pundit for , , and , where his expert insights on jumps racing continue to influence audiences during major events like and the Grand National. He remains an ambassador for the sport, occasionally mentoring and contributing to equine welfare discussions, while his family life in with wife Gillian Doran and their daughters underscores a grounded post-racing existence. Walsh's indelible impact is evident in his status as a Racing Post Hall of Fame inductee and the benchmark for excellence, having elevated National Hunt racing's global profile through sheer dominance and sportsmanship.

Early life

Family background

Rupert "Ruby" Walsh was born on 14 May 1979 in , , as the second child and eldest son of , a former champion amateur and racehorse trainer, and his wife Helen Walsh. The family resided at stables in Kill, where Ted operated his training business, immersing the household in the world of from an early age. The Walshes have four children: eldest daughter Jennifer, , son , and youngest daughter . Walsh followed in the family tradition as a professional National Hunt , achieving notable successes including multiple wins at major festivals. is actively involved in the racing industry and is married to fellow , further extending the family's connections within Irish circles. The Walsh family's deep roots in Irish National Hunt racing stem primarily from Ted Walsh's accomplished career, during which he secured the Irish amateur jump championship 11 times and claimed four victories at the as a rider. Transitioning to training, Ted continued the legacy with high-profile successes, such as preparing Papillon to win the 2000 at , a triumph that highlighted the intergenerational passion for the sport within the family. Ted's guidance played a pivotal role in Ruby's early training, fostering his innate horsemanship skills amid the daily routines of the Kill stables.

Introduction to horse racing

Ruby Walsh's introduction to was deeply influenced by his family's longstanding involvement in the sport, with his father, Ted Walsh, a former champion amateur and successful trainer, providing early guidance and inspiration. Born on May 14, 1979, in , , Walsh grew up immersed in a racing environment that included his grandfather, Ruby Walsh Sr., also active in the industry. Walsh made his debut as a rider at the age of 16 in 1995, quickly demonstrating natural talent under his father's tutelage. His first victory came later that year on July 15, aboard Siren Song—a horse trained by Ted Walsh—at Gowran Park, marking the beginning of his promising amateur career. As an , Walsh excelled in competitive riding, securing the Irish amateur jockey championship in the 1996/97 season at just 18 years old and successfully defending the title the following year in 1997/98. These accomplishments highlighted his skill and poise, setting the stage for his transition to racing while still a teenager.

Professional career

Early professional years

Ruby Walsh turned professional in 1998 at the age of 19, following two Irish amateur championships in 1996/97 and 1997/98 that provided a strong foundation for his career. In his debut professional season of 1998/99, he rode 96 winners to secure the Irish National Hunt Jockeys' Championship, marking an impressive start to his professional tenure. Walsh began securing regular professional rides for trainer in 1999, partnering several of the stable's promising horses in Irish jumps races. His early association with Mullins yielded notable results, including a Grade 1 victory aboard Alexander Banquet earlier in his amateur days, but it was his professional breakthrough in 2000 that elevated his profile: at age 20, he won the Grand National on Papillon, trained by his father Ted Walsh, prevailing by 1½ lengths in a thrilling finish at . Throughout the early 2000s, Walsh built his reputation through consistent performances in Irish jumps racing, overcoming injuries to claim a second Irish championship in the 2000/01 season with 84 winners. By the 2001/02 season, he had added another 85 victories, demonstrating sustained excellence despite the physical demands of the sport. His first success as a came in 2002, winning the Mildmay of Flete Handicap Chase on Blowing Wind for trainer .

Peak achievements and championships

Ruby Walsh established himself as one of the most dominant figures in during the 2000s and , securing the Irish jump jockey championship a record 12 times between the 1998/99 and 2016/17 seasons, despite occasional breaks due to injuries. His consistency was evident in seasons like 2016/17, where he recorded 131 winners, and he amassed over 1,980 victories in Ireland alone during his career. This dominance underscored his pivotal role in Irish jumping, often riding for top trainers like and Paul Nicholls. At the , Walsh's peak prowess shone through as the leading on 11 occasions—specifically in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017—culminating in a record 59 wins across his career. These triumphs included setting a single-Festival record with seven winners in 2009, highlighting his tactical brilliance on the Prestbury Park track. Key partnerships defined this era, notably with , aboard whom he captured the in 2007 and reclaimed it in 2009 as the first horse to do so since 1980, winning by 13 lengths in the latter. Walsh's synergy with Hurricane Fly further cemented his legacy, riding the gelding to victories in 2011 and 2013, the latter marking a rare regaining of the title. In the Grand National, his 2005 triumph on Hedgehunter—a masterful ride that overcame a previous year's fall to win by 14 lengths—highlighted his endurance in the sport's toughest test, contributing to his overall record of two wins from 10 rides in the marathon. These achievements, blending speed, stamina, and strategic acumen, positioned Walsh at the pinnacle of jump racing during his prime years.

Career statistics

Win records

Ruby Walsh concluded his professional career with a total of 2,756 wins across and Britain, comprising 1,980 victories in and 776 in Britain. Among these, he secured 213 Grade 1 wins, a testament to his dominance in elite competition, including a record 59 triumphs at the . Walsh's win progression marked a rapid ascent from his debut professional season in 1998/99, when he claimed the Irish National Hunt jockey championship with 95 winners, to sustained excellence in subsequent years. By the mid-2000s, he consistently surpassed 150 combined wins in Ireland and Britain during his championship seasons, reflecting his growing partnership with top trainers and horses. His peak came in the 2006/07 season, with 198 total wins—the highest single-season tally of his career—underscoring the scale of his productivity amid multiple title defenses.

Festival and championship successes

Ruby Walsh holds the record as the most successful in history, achieving 59 wins across 17 participations between 1998 and 2018. He was the leading at on 11 occasions, a feat that underscores his dominance during the annual four-day meeting in March. Walsh's tally surpassed previous benchmarks, including Peter Scudamore's 13 wins, establishing him as the unrivaled leader in the festival's jump records. In Ireland, Walsh secured the National Hunt jockey championship 12 times (1998–99, 2000–01, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17), most recently in the 2016/2017 season when he rode 131 winners to claim the title. These championships highlighted his consistency and supremacy in Irish jump racing over two decades. At the Punchestown Festival, Walsh enjoyed significant successes, including a record seven victories in the Punchestown Gold Cup (Imperial Call 1999, Commanche Court 2000, 2007, Travelling Lad 2011, Silviniaco Conti 2014, Vautour 2016, Kemboy 2019), the event's premier chase. His overall contributions at Punchestown included 45 Grade One wins, many during the festival, cementing his status as a key figure in Irish . Walsh also excelled at the Aintree Grand National Festival, where he won the prestigious twice—on Papillon in 2000 and Hedgehunter in 2005—becoming one of only a select few to achieve multiple victories in the iconic steeplechase. Additional triumphs at , such as the 2013 Aintree Hurdle on Zarkandar, further demonstrated his prowess on the course. While primarily a jumps specialist, Walsh recorded successes at jumps meetings at Ascot, including notable performances on horses like Master Minded in high-profile races at the venue.

Injuries and setbacks

Major injuries

Throughout his career, Ruby Walsh endured numerous serious injuries from falls in , with sources estimating nearly 20 major incidents that tested his resilience. One of the earliest significant setbacks occurred in October 1999, when he suffered a broken right leg during a fall at the Velka Pardubice steeplechase in the , marking a challenging start to his professional journey. In 2004, Walsh fractured his left wrist in a fall at the day before the Grand National, forcing him to miss the prestigious race on his intended mount, Exit To Wave. Another notable injury came in November 2008 at , where a fall from Pride Of Dulcote in a handicap hurdle resulted in a ruptured , necessitating emergency for its removal. Walsh broke his left ankle in May 2009 following a racing incident at Killarney, adding to his growing list of lower-body traumas. In July 2011, Walsh suffered a crushed C6 vertebra after being unseated from Friendly Society at Killarney, ruling him out for two months. In November 2010, he sustained a double fracture to his right leg (tibia and fibula) after falling from Corrick Bridge at Down Royal. A compound fracture of his right humerus occurred in March 2014 during a fall from Abbyssial in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, sidelining him for the remainder of the festival including the Gold Cup. Additionally, in November 2012, Walsh suffered a thumb injury after a fall from Curtain Raiser at Newbury, which affected his grip and required time away from riding. Over his 24-year career, these and other falls—totaling more than 20 serious injuries—highlighted the physical toll of the sport, including multiple broken bones and dislocations.

Recovery and career impact

Following his ruptured spleen surgery in November 2008, Ruby Walsh underwent a swift rehabilitation process involving a brief hospital stay and monitored recovery, allowing him to return to riding within approximately one month. He secured his first victory post-surgery on Scotsirish at Cork in December 2008, demonstrating a rapid return to competitive form within the same season despite the severity of the injury. For subsequent injuries, such as the fractured right sustained at Punchestown in November 2017, Walsh's approach emphasized structured physiotherapy and progressive conditioning, with medical clearance targeting a 2018 return after an initial 12-week bone healing period. Walsh adapted his riding style in later years to incorporate greater caution following repeated fractures, particularly to his legs and arms, prioritizing preservation of form over aggressive risks while sustaining a high level of success. Despite absences, such as the four months sidelined early in the 2017/18 season due to the Punchestown fall, he maintained an impressive win rate upon return, including multiple victories at the shortly after resuming riding. This shift allowed him to continue partnering top horses effectively without compromising his tactical acumen. The cumulative impact of over 15 broken bones, including five right tibia fractures, dislocated shoulders, and other setbacks, significantly influenced Walsh's decision to retire in May 2019 after 2,756 career wins, as he sought to exit on his own terms rather than be forced out by further harm. While he suffered no permanent disabilities, the ongoing physical wear led to increased caution in his final seasons, with rigorous rehabilitation efforts focused on maintaining mobility in affected areas like his shoulders and legs. Walsh exhibited strong mental resilience throughout his career, often citing his determination to overcome injuries rather than let them define him, as evidenced by his resolve to "beat injury and injury would not beat me." He never lost his nerve after falls, maintaining an unwavering commitment to the despite the mental strain of prolonged recoveries and watching races from the sidelines. In interviews, Walsh emphasized focusing on positives during rehabilitation, underscoring his dedication even as the psychological toll of repeated absences lingered longer than physical pain.

Trainer relationships

Partnership with Willie Mullins

Ruby Walsh's professional partnership with trainer Willie Mullins commenced in the late 1990s, with their breakthrough success arriving at the 1998 Cheltenham Festival when Walsh, then an 18-year-old amateur, guided Alexander Banquet to victory in the Champion Bumper. This marked the first of many collaborations between the pair, as Walsh began riding for Mullins on a regular basis, including early triumphs on horses like Young Fenora at Leopardstown in 1997. By the early 2000s, Walsh had established himself as a key rider for the Closutton stable, becoming Mullins' retained jockey in 2013 and riding prominent horses such as Florida Pearl and Faugheen, whom he partnered to an unbeaten Champion Hurdle win at Cheltenham in 2015. The duo's association yielded numerous winners, including over 40 triumphs at the , contributing significantly to Walsh's record 59 victories there and Mullins' dominance as a trainer. Notable among these were multiple successes for Mullins, such as Hurricane Fly in 2011 and 2013, alongside Faugheen's 2015 victory, showcasing Walsh's tactical acumen on Mullins' top hurdlers. Their synergy extended beyond race-day performances, with Walsh riding the vast majority of Mullins' runners in major events, including the 2005 win on Hedgehunter. At the core of their long-term collaboration was a profound mutual trust, with Walsh often providing input on training strategies and horse preparation, as Mullins consistently valued his jockey's opinions on equine condition and race tactics. This dynamic enabled Walsh to ride the bulk of Mullins' contenders in high-stakes races, fostering an environment where intuitive decision-making propelled their shared achievements and helped secure multiple Irish National Hunt trainers' and jockeys' championships.

Notable splits and transitions

One of the most significant transitions in Ruby Walsh's career occurred in May 2013, when he ended his 11-year tenure as stable jockey for Paul Nicholls. Walsh had joined Nicholls in October 2002, contributing to major successes including two wins on in 2007 and 2009, but the constant travel between and Britain strained his family life, prompting the amicable split to allow him more time at home with his young family. Following the departure from Nicholls, Walsh transitioned to freelance status, though he maintained a primary association with , riding the bulk of the trainer's high-profile mounts while occasionally partnering horses from other yards. This freelance arrangement enabled him to broaden his bookings, including notable rides for . The shift allowed greater flexibility amid increasing competition from emerging jockeys like , who assumed more routine rides for Mullins in the later stages of Walsh's career. Despite the freelance evolution, Walsh continued selective partnerships with Mullins, culminating in a poignant final Grade 1 triumph aboard Kemboy in the 2019 Punchestown Gold Cup, which immediately preceded his announcement. Throughout these changes, Walsh and Mullins preserved a relationship of mutual professional respect, with Mullins describing Walsh's as "the end of an era" and crediting their long collaboration for numerous championships and festival dominations.

Retirement

Final races and announcement

Ruby Walsh's final competitive season, 2018/19, was characterized by a determined push amid lingering effects from prior injuries, culminating in 51 victories across 189 rides. Despite these challenges, he delivered standout performances, including a third-place finish on Rathvinden in the at —his 14th attempt in the iconic race. The season reached its emotional peak at the Punchestown Festival on 1 May 2019, where Walsh guided Kemboy to victory in the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup, securing his 213th Grade 1 success. Immediately after dismounting, the 39-year-old announced his retirement from race-riding, citing the cumulative toll of a 24-year career marked by numerous injuries as a key factor. Walsh's farewell drew universal acclaim from peers and fans alike, with figures like AP McCoy hailing him as "the best I've ever seen" for his unparalleled , tactical brilliance, and grace under pressure throughout his tenure. The announcement, delivered trackside amid applause, underscored a career defined by resilience and excellence, leaving an indelible mark on .

Post-retirement legacy

Upon retiring in 2019 after a final victory in the Punchestown Gold Cup aboard Kemboy, Ruby Walsh left behind an indelible mark on , most notably through his unbroken records that continue to define excellence in the sport. He holds the all-time record for the most wins by a at the , achieving 59 triumphs over his career, a benchmark that underscores his unparalleled success at the premier jumps meeting. Additionally, Walsh secured the Irish a record 12 times, dominating the domestic scene and highlighting his consistency and skill across two decades. Walsh's influence extends to elevating the global profile of Irish jumps , where his victories in major British races, including two Grand Nationals and multiple highlights, showcased Ireland's prowess and inspired a surge in international interest and participation. Racing figures, such as fellow Sir AP McCoy, have hailed him as the greatest jump of all time, a sentiment echoed in ongoing media assessments that cement his status as an icon whose tactical brilliance and bravery set new standards for the discipline. His family legacy further amplifies this impact, with siblings like Katie Walsh building successful careers in the saddle, perpetuating the Walsh dynasty in Irish . Post-retirement, Walsh has advocated for enhanced safety measures, drawing from his own history of severe injuries, including four concussions during his career. In interviews, he has emphasized the challenges of enforcing rest for concussed riders and the inherent risks of the profession, contributing to broader discussions on welfare improvements within the . These efforts reflect his commitment to protecting future generations, ensuring his legacy endures beyond the racetrack.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Ruby Walsh married Gillian Doran in July 2006. The couple met through connections in circles, with Doran being the niece of Maureen Mullins, wife of renowned trainer Paddy Mullins. Together, they have four daughters: Isabelle, born in October 2009; Elsa; Gemma, born on April 5, 2014; and Erica. The family resides in Calverstown, , where Walsh balances the frequent travel required by his racing career with time at home. Gillian has been instrumental in supporting the family, managing daily life and the household during Walsh's extended absences for competitions and remaining composed amid the inherent risks of his profession.

Interests outside racing

Ruby Walsh is an avid golf enthusiast, regularly playing the sport as a way to unwind from the demands of . He has participated in several high-profile pro-am events, including the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open pro-am at in 2019 and the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am at . In addition to his sporting pursuits, Walsh has been deeply involved in , particularly supporting welfare. He was appointed chairman of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund in 2014, a charity dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the care, rehabilitation, and welfare of injured riders, and he continues to lead fundraisers post-retirement. Walsh maintains interests in rural life, owning land in , , where his horses graze and where he actively opposed a proposed that threatened the local countryside, a decision which was ultimately quashed by the in July 2025. His background lacks formal higher education, having left school at age 18 after completing his Leaving Certificate in 1997, though he developed expertise in racing analysis through hands-on experience and guidance from his father, Ted Walsh. These pursuits reflect Walsh's commitment to work-life balance, motivated in part by his family responsibilities as a husband and father to four daughters.

Media and public profile

Television and punditry

Following his retirement from riding in May 2019, Ruby Walsh transitioned into a prominent role in broadcasting, leveraging his extensive experience as a to provide expert analysis. He is a regular pundit for Racing TV, providing analysis on jumps racing and major events. Walsh has contributed to RTÉ's racing coverage, including previews and analysis for major events such as the . He also became a regular analyst for in the UK, offering insights on National Hunt races including the Grand National and other key fixtures previously covered by Channel 4. Among his notable contributions are appearances on RTÉ's preview programs, where he dissects form and tactics ahead of festivals like . In the 2025/26 jumps season, Walsh collaborated with on analyses for platforms including Paddy Power's "From " podcast, discussing emerging talents and season storylines. His commentary style is characterized by candid, insightful observations drawn from his riding , often highlighting subtle race dynamics that influence outcomes. For instance, in early 2025, he praised Romeo Coolio after a win at Down Royal, calling him 'a very good ' with strong potential. Earlier in his career, during the 2011/12 season, Walsh featured in the documentary Jump Boys, which provided an intimate look at the professional lives of top Irish jump jockeys, including himself, , and , as they navigated major races at venues like and Punchestown.

Other appearances and endorsements

Beyond his television work, Ruby Walsh has maintained a prominent presence through various guest appearances on podcasts and preview panels focused on . In November 2025, he participated in Paddy Power's Jumps Season Preview alongside and Frank Hickey, offering insights into the 2025/26 National Hunt season and highlighting horses to follow. He also featured in episodes of Paddy Power's podcast, providing expert analysis for major events like the and Royal Ascot in 2025. Additionally, Walsh contributed to the Breeders' Cup 2025 preview with Basher Watts, sharing tips and insider perspectives on key races. Walsh extended his analysis to the 2025 , where he joined ITV's post-race coverage with Oli Bell to review the event in detail. In a notable exchange, he debated selections with fellow legend AP McCoy during the broadcast, revealing differing top picks for the race. Walsh has contributed regular columns to the , offering in-depth commentary on significant races. In September 2025, he wrote about the Kerry National, praising runner Anyway as ideally suited for the conditions and predicting a strong performance. These writings draw on his extensive experience to provide tactical breakdowns and horse assessments for readers. As a , Walsh has partnered with major betting firms, notably appearing in commercials that highlight his racing expertise. He has also collaborated with Ladbrokes on promotional content related to high-profile events. In June 2025, Walsh launched the Laytown Races colouring competition in partnership with Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, encouraging students to submit entries for prizes including vouchers, with winning artwork displayed at the September event. Walsh engages in public speaking on his career, delivering talks that share leadership lessons from over 2,500 wins and 12 Irish champion jockey titles. In February 2025, he served as a guest speaker for Fáilte Ireland, discussing his involvement in the Thoroughbred industry. He remains available for corporate events and sporting dinners through agencies like Champions Speakers.

Major race wins

Grand National victories

Ruby Walsh achieved two victories in the Grand National steeplechase at , establishing himself as one of the race's most accomplished contemporary jockeys. His first success came in 2000 aboard Papillon, trained by his father Ted Walsh, marking a family milestone in the prestigious event. Five years later, in 2005, he secured a second win on Hedgehunter for trainer , delivering a dominant performance that highlighted his tactical prowess. In the 2000 Grand National, the 20-year-old Walsh, on his debut ride in the race, guided the 10-1 shot Papillon to a narrow victory by 1¼ lengths over Mely Moss, with Bobbyjo finishing third after fading late in the contest. Papillon, owned by American Betty Moran, had been backed from 33-1 into 10-1 on the day, turning the win into a significant gamble for punters. The race, run on April 8, featured 40 runners, and Papillon's success provided Walsh with his breakthrough in the marathon steeplechase, contributing to the Walsh family's enduring legacy in . Walsh's second Grand National triumph arrived in 2005 on the 7-1 favorite Hedgehunter, whom he rode to a commanding 14-length victory over Royal Auclair. Trained by and owned by , Hedgehunter capitalized on a mistake by the leader Clan Royal at on the second circuit to surge clear and win the 158th edition of the race on April 9. The following year, in 2006, Walsh and Hedgehunter returned as defending champions but finished a close second, beaten by Numbersixvalverde, in a field reduced to 27 runners after early fallers. Beyond his wins, Walsh recorded a third-place finish in the 2003 Grand National on Supreme Glory for trainer Pat Murphy, contributing to his strong overall record in the event. Over his career, he completed 14 rides in the Grand National from 2000 to 2019, securing two victories, one second, and one third, with top-10 placings in 10 of those attempts. These achievements underscored Walsh's consistency and skill in the demanding four-and-a-half-mile race, cementing his reputation as a key figure in its modern .

Cheltenham Festival highlights

Ruby Walsh holds the record for the most victories at the , with a total of 59 wins across hurdles, chases, and novice events during his career. His dominance at the four-day meeting was evident in his achievement as leading on 11 occasions, specifically in 2004, 2006, and from 2008 to 2011, as well as 2013 to 2017, surpassing all previous records. Walsh also set the benchmark for the most winners in a single Festival, riding seven victors in both and 2016. One of Walsh's standout achievements came in the , where he secured wins in 2007 and 2009 aboard , marking the horse's successful defense of the title in the latter year. These victories highlighted Walsh's tactical prowess in the sport's premier steeplechase, contributing significantly to his legacy at Prestbury Park. Walsh excelled in the Champion Hurdle, winning the prestigious race four times: in 2011 and 2013 on Hurricane Fly, who became the first horse in 38 years to reclaim the title in the latter victory; in 2015 aboard Faugheen; and in 2016 with Annie Power. These successes underscored his versatility across jumping disciplines and his strong partnership with trainer . Earlier in his career, Walsh claimed the in 2003 on Azertyuiop, a victory that propelled the horse to further glory the following year in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. In 2016, he added the to his tally by piloting Vautour to a commanding win, pulling clear in the straight to defeat the field by six lengths. These performances exemplified Walsh's ability to deliver in high-stakes Grade 1 contests at the Festival.

References

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