A win on his return has seen money pile in for Walsh to be Cheltenham Top Jockey yet again.
Ruby Walsh is being backed for Top Jockey at Cheltenham Festival, following his win at Thurles today (March 8).
He’s received 65% of all bets following his victory in his comeback race, impressing over the 2m circuit.
The Irishman returned to winning ways for the first time after suffering a broken leg, with the 38-year-old in the saddle of 11/8 favourite Lareena.
He’s standalone favourite to capture the prestigious title at 4/5, followed by fellow Irishman Barry Geraghty at 4/1 and Jack Kennedy at 11/2.
Breaking his leg at Punchestown back in November, Walsh targeted a return to action before the Festival got underway, the same Festival where he has won more than any other jockey.
Walsh had set his sights on last weekend as his return to racing, although severe weather would postpone this.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: “Ruby Walsh appeared fully recovered from his broken leg suffered in a fall at Punchestown in November when he blew away fellow Cheltenham top jockey contenders on his return at Thurles.
“With injury concerns surrounding the Irishman, the majority of bets in the Cheltenham Top Jockey market were on Davy Russell, however with such a comfortable victory today, we'd expect there to be a sudden change in betting patterns.
“He's currently 4/5 to be crowned the leading jockey at the Festival again, a price which might disappear with no apparent injury concerns."
