The Malta Independent 25 April 2024, Thursday
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Horse Racing: Jockey Ruby Walsh to miss rest of Cheltenham Festival due to injury

Wednesday, 14 March 2018, 21:48 Last update: about 7 years ago
Jockey Nico de Boinville on Altior gestures after winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham Racecourse Cheltenham England Wednesday March 14, 2018.. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)
Jockey Nico de Boinville on Altior gestures after winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham Racecourse Cheltenham England Wednesday March 14, 2018.. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)

Jockey Ruby Walsh will miss the remainder of the Cheltenham Festival after aggravating a leg injury when falling off his horse during the RSA Insurance Novices' chase on Wednesday.

Walsh, the most successful jockey in the festival's history with 52 wins, had only recently returned to competition after a four-month layoff due to a broken leg. He was taken to a hospital for X-rays and his sister Jennifer said in a statement that "unfortunately he has aggravated a recent leg injury and will see his consultant in Dublin next week for further assessment."

Bonbon Au Miel and Paul Townend part company in the RSA Insurance Novices' Chase at Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham England Wednesday March 14, 2018. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)

Walsh had been set to ride Killultagh Vic in Friday's Gold Cup.

On Wednesday's second day of the festival, Altior extended his unbeaten record over jumps to 13 in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Bonbon Au Miel and Paul Townend part company in the RSA Insurance Novices' Chase at Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham England Wednesday March 14, 2018. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)

Altior had a slow start eventually powered seven lengths clear of the Willie Mullins-trained Min.

It was also a good day for trainer Gordon Elliott who took home three wins, headlined by Samcro in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.

The 8-11 favorite beat Black Op by two and three-quarter lengths.

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