Ruby Walsh

Ruby Walsh is the son of Ted Walsh, one of Ireland’s most famous National Hunt trainers and pundits.

Ruby Walsh began racing horses at an early age, and by the age of 18 had captured his first Irish Amateur title. A second one was to follow in the 1997/1998 season, and one season later Ruby Walsh paired up with Grand National winner Papillon and won the Grand National at first attempt.

Walsh’s Grand National winning performance came on the heels of a win at the Irish Grand National and earned him the coveted Irish Champion Jockey title in his first season of professional competition. These performances proved to a taster of this Grand National jockey’s incredible skill.

In the 2004/2005 season Ruby Walsh secured an impressive treble by winning three of the four nationals in the United Kingdom. Riding a succession of future Grand National winners, Walsh captured the Welsh National on Silver Birch, the Irish Grand National on Numbersixvalverde and the Grand National at Aintree on Hedgehunter.

Walsh narrowly lost out on securing all four nationals in one year when his horse Cornish Rebel finished as runner-up to Joes Edge at the Scottish National. Despite falling at the last hurdle, the Grand National jockey’s earlier victory in the Scottish National in 2002 makes him the only jockey presently competing in National Hunt racing to have won all four British nationals.

Along with his collection of wins at the biggest races, Ruby Walsh, 2008 Grand National jockey, has strung together an impressive series of victories at major festivals, including the Queen Mother Championship Hurdle, the William Hill Handicap Hurdle and the Irish Arkle trophy, amongst others.

Ruby Walsh’s impressive record in National Hunt racing during his short career is attributed to his style of jumping. He is an excellent tactical thinker during races and is able to take advantage of factors ignored by less astute jockeys. He also has a knack of keeping his horses calm and focused, ensuring optimal performance at the jump.

Ruby Walsh’s seeming inexhaustible form has carried into the 2007/2008 season. After finishing the 2006/2007 season with a Cheltenham Gold Cup win in March, Walsh has already racked up an impressive series of victories.

Watch out for Ruby Walsh, 2008 Grand National jockey at this year’s race at Aintree. If you want to place a bet on this event, we recommend William Hill for the best racehorse betting experience.