Like he'd never even left.
Ruby Walsh made his return to action in Thurles racecourse on Thursday, four months after he fractured his right tibia in November.
The Kildare native had been on the sidelines since suffering a nasty fall of Let's Dance in a Mares' Hurdle in Punchestown. Initially, there were fears that the most successful jockey in Cheltenham Festival history might miss out on the Pretsbury Park showpiece which kicks off next week, however, Ruby was always adamant that he would make it back in time.
The 38-year-old was true to his word and marked his eagerly anticipated return to the saddle with a resumption of natural order in the horse racing world.
The dynamic duo of Walsh and Mullins were back in the winners enclosure in the mid Tipperary track when Ruby's only ride of the day Lareena landed the spoils in the Maiden Hurdle.
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Video Credit: At The Races.
Mullins' charge justified favouritism to edge Davy Russell's mount Awayinthewest in the 2.15 race.
It really worked out ideally for the jockey, who resumed riding in training just last week. This race was a good test of his physical condition as he was made to work hard aboard the 5-year-old.
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It all bodes well for Cheltenham, with Walsh set to take a host of attractive rides aboard hotshots like Getabird, Footpad and Douvan.
It wouldn't have been held without him.
