AsPaul Nicholls put it, “for personal rather than professional reasons” Ruby Walsh has decided to step down as stable jockey to the Ditcheat trainer to concentrate on riding in Ireland. Walsh’s decision, after nearly 11 years, brings to an end a partnership that has been associated with Big Buck’s, Denman, Kauto Star and Master Minded, among many others and, without doubt, one of the most successful in the history of National Hunt racing.
Trainer and jockey expressed nothing but admiration for each other. Ruby Walsh said in a text message to Paul Nicholls, “…you made the success I have had, which made today the hardest call I have ever made”, while Nicholls said in his Betfair column, “He [Ruby Walsh] will continue to ride for us this season and in the future when he is needed and when he is available. Above all, though, we respect each other and are more friends than anything else.”