Walsh delays return to saddle

Racing:  Jockey Ruby Walsh will be out of action for a few more days

Racing:  Jockey Ruby Walsh will be out of action for a few more days. Walsh was unseated at Cheltenham on New Year's Day by Le Duc and then suffered a nasty-looking fall from Sporazene 35 minutes later.

He is still feeling the effects of that double spill and wants to be fully fit before returning to action.

"He's still sore," said his sister and agent Jennifer. "I rang him this morning and he told me that he was going to give it another few days.

"I did not even ask him when he thought he might be back he just said that he was still sore and we will look again in another couple of days."

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Cloone River faces a crucial check-up tomorrow to determine how long he will be sidelined by a back injury.

Trainer Paul Nolan had to rule the 10-year-old out of the Victor Chandler Chase after he aggravated an old problem and will now undergo a thorough examination.

"Cloone River is going for a scan tomorrow in the Curragh," said Nolan. "He was supposed to go today but it has been put back."

Nolan initially expressed doubts about Cloone River being ready in time to run at the Cheltenham Festival but is keeping his fingers crossed for good news tomorrow.

"The problem may not be as bad as first thought but we will know more tomorrow," he added.

Cloone River is currently as low as 8-1 with Coral for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.