Ruby Walsh optimistic about Cheltenham

Champion Irish jumps jockey Ruby Walsh is confident he will be fit to ride at the Cheltenham Festival.

Walsh broke his leg in a fall at Punchestown on Sunday but has the Cheltenham meeting in March in his sights.

“Hopefully it will heal quickly,” Walsh told Racing UK.

“A broken leg is usually 12 weeks, give or take. There is 16 weeks and three days from the fall to the Cheltenham Festival.

“I have 15 and a half (weeks), or 15 and three-quarters to be ready.

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“I don’t think it matters how much experience you have. You can only do what the doctors tell you and be as patient as you can.”

Walsh has been the leading jockey at the Cheltenham meeting for 11 of the past 14 seasons.

The first big ride Walsh missed was on Faugheen who made a winning return after 22 months off the track in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in the hands of Paul Townend.

“It was great see Faugheen winning on Sunday, but heartbreaking not to be on his back,” Walsh said.

“That’s the mental pain of any sports person who’s sitting on the sidelines,” he said.