The champion amateur jockey, Ruby Walsh, will start the 1998-99 jumps season at Tralee on Monday as a professional. Walsh (18), confirmed the move yesterday. Walsh already has his second champion amateur title wrapped up and the move to the professional ranks is one that has been expected since he won the Cheltenham Festival Bumper last March.

"It seems like a good time to start and I can't wait to get going. Hopefully I will be able to get established quickly with a few winners," Walsh said.

The son of former champion amateur and TV pundit, Ted Walsh, has ridden 88 winners.