Ruby Walsh will ride Hurricane Fly in the Champion Hurdle

Trainer Willie Mullins has confirmed that Ruby Walsh will be aboard Hurricane Fly in the Stan James Champion Hurdle on Tuesday. No doubt the fact that Ruby found the winners’ enclosure on Saturday contributed to the decision and Paul Townend will now switch to the yard’s other runner, Thousand Stars.

Mullins told reporters that he had discussed things with the owners and both jockeys before making the decision and summarised “Ruby is our number-one rider and it’s good that he’s fit and back in action and among the winners again.”

The Champion Hurdle market remains fairly static and Huricane Fly is still a best priced 5/1, with Thousand Stars a 33/1 chance.

The Top Festival Jockey market is always a favourite and opinions remain divided on Ruby’s prospects with odds from 5/4 to 2/1 being offered. The money has all been for Barry Geraghty in the past couple of weeks though and the 11/4 still available looks more than fair.