He picked up the injury at Killarney last night when riding Friendly Society for Michael Hourigan in the Race Club At The Malton Handicap Hurdle, when the gelding fell at the first hurdle.

Walsh initially walked back into the weighing room, but having had the injury checked out it is worse than first feared.

“Ruby was very sore immediately after his fall and went to get his neck looked at in Cork University Hospital today,” said his sister and agent, Jennifer Walsh.

“He has crushed a vertebrae in his neck and has also torn a ligament off a vertebrae.

“He will be out of action until Listowel Festival time (September) and is currently wearing a collar-support around his neck.”