Ruby Walsh suffers broken leg in a fall

Champion Irish jumps jockey Ruby Walsh faces an extended period on he sidelines after suffering a broken leg in a fall at Punchestown on Saturday.

Walsh, who had two falls earlier on Saturday (Sunday AEDT), was attended to on the track before being taken to hospital in Naas for X-rays.

“I’ve suffered a fracture of my right tibia,” Walsh told Racing UK.

“I’m going to Tallaght Hospital now to see a specialist and I’ll know a lot more tomorrow.”

With the jumps season hitting top gear, Walsh was due to partner the long-absent former Champion Hurdle winner Faugheen in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday.

Walsh’s close friend and former rival, retired champion Sir Anthony McCoy, told ITV Racing Walsh was devastated.

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“He’s heartbroken,” McCoy said.

“I’ve been texting him and he’s been texting me back. He’s missing a ride like Faugheen tomorrow.

“He’s had a few bad falls in the past. He’s the best jockey I’ve ever seen and tougher than anyone I’ve ever seen.

“He’s very low at the moment, but in a few days and a few weeks he’ll be trying to get himself back. He’ll get through it.

“It’s a big loss to National Hunt racing to see him not riding and Willie Mullins is going to miss him, but he’ll be back.”

Walsh has been the top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival in March for 11 of the past 14 seasons.

In 2015, he visited Australia and won the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat on champion Bashboy.