Ruby Walsh’s surgeon ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Punchestown return

Ruby Walsh's surgeon is "cautiously optimistic" the jump jockey will be able to return from injury in time for the Punchestown Festival that starts in two weeks.

Walsh missed the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree for the fourth time in seven years on Saturday after suffering an hairline fracture to his wrist.

That injury came after falls from Vautour in the Melling Chase and Blood Cotil in the Topham at the Merseyside course on Friday.

His sister and agent Jennifer Walsh said: “The surgeon was cautiously optimistic he’ll be back in time for Punchestown.

“I imagine he’ll go back and see him at some stage before Punchestown, but it’s looking good.”

As well as missing the ride in the National on Sir Des Champs, who fell at the Chair, Walsh lost out on two Grade One winners, Yorkhill in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle and Douvan in the Maghull Novices' Chase.