Walsh is Bach on track

RACING:FOUR MONTHS of frustration for Ruby Walsh comes to an end at Newbury today when Ireland's champion jockey returns to action ahead of the Cheltenham Festival which kicks off on Tuesday week.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Don’t Turn Bach has the responsibility of being Walsh’s first ride back since he broke his leg at Down Royal in early November, just an hour after winning the JN Wine Champion Chase on Kauto Star.

Walsh has been easing his way back recently and rode for Willie Mullins in a schooling session at Leopardstown last Sunday. Since then he has been reacquainting himself with some old friends at Paul Nicholls’ yard.

“It was great to welcome Ruby back to the team when he walked through the gates here on Monday and we have certainly kept him busy since,” Britain’s champion trainer said yesterday. “He partnered Kauto Star in a racecourse gallop with Master Minded, Sam Winner and Robinson Collonges on Tuesday morning.”

Nicholls added that Walsh looks “really fit and sharp” and that he was particularly pleased with the way Kauto Star went ahead of what will be the great horse’s fifth attempt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Kauto Star became the only horse to regain the Gold Cup crown when successful in 2009.

Despite his long absence, Walsh remains a 5 to 4 favourite to once again be the leading jockey at Cheltenham, where last year he overtook Pat Taaffe as the most successful festival rider of all time.

Another Irish stalwart at Cheltenham in recent years has been the star cross country horse Garde Champetre, who will attempt a third festival success for owner JP McManus in the Glenfarclas Handicap Chase.

The veteran has received a boost, too, from the British Horseracing Authority’s senior handicapper Phil Smith, who has dropped Enda Bolger’s runner in the ratings.

Garde Champetre will carry topweight of 11-12, a pound ahead of stable companion L’Ami.

“He has been around the block and like all of us, he’s getting a little older,” said Smith. “I’ve dropped him a bit. He was fifth last year off a mark of 161 and this year he has 157.

“He’s a 12-year-old now and his runs since last year haven’t been quite as strong, so we thought it was time he got a little help from the handicapper.”

Garde Champetre is a best-priced 9 to 2 favourite in ante-post betting for the festival’s Cross Country event.

McManus’ big hope for Queen Mother Champion Chase success is Captain Cee Bee, the 2008 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner, who hasn’t been seen since finishing last behind Big Zeb in the Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

“He’s doing great. It’s all systems go and we’re counting down the days,” said his trainer Eddie Harty.

“Everything has gone according to plan. I’m just hoping he’ll be fit and well on the day. If he gets there nice and fresh we’ll see what happens after that.”