Injured Ruby Walsh to miss Punchestown Festival
Ruby Walsh has failed in his bid to be fit for the Punchestown Festival next week.
The star jockey's hopes of making the big five-day meeting, which begins next Tuesday, were dashed following results from an X-ray on his right leg that he fractured at Cheltenham last month.
"It is hugely disappointing, but I am looking forward to riding once again in the new season," Walsh told Racing UK.
Walsh's latest injury came on day two of the Cheltenham Festival when he had a heavy fall from Al Boum Photo in the RSA Insurance Novices' Chase.
He had only returned to competitive action the previous Thursday, having broken the same leg at Punchestown in November.
Walsh told Racinguk.com: "I went for an X-ray and although the doctor was impressed by the bone growth and repair I won't be riding at the Punchestown Festival.
"I had been going to the gym, but I kind of knew it was coming.
"I tested the water last week by taking off the boot and tried to walk on it but it wasn't strong enough."
