Top National Hunt jockey Ruby Walsh is facing months on the sidelines after breaking his leg in two places.
The Irish rider fractured the tibia and fibula in his right leg, falling from Corrick Bridge in a handicap chase at Down Royal on Saturday (6 November).
Earlier in the day Ruby had scored a double, partnering Kauto Star and The Nightingale to big race wins.
He was taken to Lagan Valley Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Victoria in Belfast. His sister and agent Jennifer yesterday told press that surgery had gone well but they did not know how long he would be out of action.
Trainer Paul Nicholls now faces decisions as Harry Skelton, who also rides for Nicholls, broke his collarbone after a fall at Wincanton at the weekend too.
Nicholls is now expected to give more rides to Sam Thomas and Noel Fehily, with Sam to be reunited with Denman in the Hennessey at Newbury later this month.
Bookies also have AP McCoy as favourite to partner Kauto Star on the horse’s next outing, which could be the Hennessey or more likely the King George VI at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Ruby only returned to the track in August after breaking his arm on Grand National day in April.
