Two of my children are in racing and have been for many years. I know many of the trainers and pundits past and present and was with family and racing friends to watch Jamie Osborne at the Martell GN @Aintree 1997.
Very much so, Izabella I know A.P. won more races, but I always felt he rode "hard" (perhaps that's why he won more?) but if I was an owner, I know which one I would rather ride my horse!
I could pick Ruby out from a long camera shot, without even seeing the colours clearly, just his riding style, the way he sat so quietly, always reading the race and knowing the horse.
I remember one race, a 3 miler, and he was leading from the start, which isn't usually good in a race of that distance! I was sure he would be overtaken, but against all odds he won!
A rare event in racing, to lead from start to finish over such a distance.
I saw him on the news today. Never heard of him before. When they said he was 40 I was amazed, looks so much older. Didn’t Tegan like horse racing? Haven’t seen her on here for yonks. My Mum loved watching the horses, enjoyed having a flutter.
Don't know anything about horse racing., but I do watch the grand national. To watch those elegant, yes elegant beasts do their bit is just mind blowing.
Doesn't seem to be many racing fans on GN, phoenix. My husband and I always used to have a flutter on a Saturday afternoon. Ruby Walsh is one jockey I remember well. Always reliable and made me a few bob in the Grand National once. I haven't been able to watch a horserace since DH died 12 years ago.
Ruby is retiring, and although A.P. McCoy was the champion jockey 20 times, Ruby was (for me) the best.
He was a good, sensitive rider, sat "quiet" and knew when to push, when to pull, and how to keep enough in the tank!
The way Kauto Star raced under Ruby, compared to the times when A.P rode him (when Ruby was off with injuries) spoke volumes.
No doubt there will be posts from those who are anti racing, but for me Ruby was a gentleman among jockeys and I will miss seeing his quiet, sensitive riding.