The turf | 9 May 2019

So the Silver Fox has called it a day. We will never see Ruby Walsh, the man whom even Sir Anthony McCoy modestly calls the best jump jockey ever, riding competitively again. Though sad for his countless fans in Britain, it is entirely understandable that Ruby chose to announce his retirement at his beloved Punchestown last week after riding Kemboy to victory in the Gold Cup. But the racing authorities here must find an appropriate way of celebrating his stellar career.

Ruby wasn’t as physically resilient as A.P. and had to cope with some dreadful injuries along the way, but there has never been a more intelligent rider over obstacles. I will always remember champion trainer Paul Nicholls telling me approvingly how Ruby coped with pressure so much better than his other jockeys: ‘He was arrogant, he was tough and he was hard.’ Yet those who seek to emulate him should note Ruby’s description of how most race riding is actually in the head. ‘It’s a series of mental tasks rather than one physical one and brains will beat brawn every time if you use them the right way. Your physical strength might only win you one race in a hundred, if that.’ As his father Ted reflected, Ruby got into other riders’ minds as well: ‘When he was in front they’d be thinking, “When is he going to come back?” and when he was dropped in they’d be thinking “Where is he?”’ Incomparable.

Let’s hope that the riders of our Twelve to Follow this Flat season show some of Ruby’s ability to keep horses relaxed until the right moment. Whatever happens we are unlikely to do as well with our Twelve as we did last year when they returned a healthy profit to a £10 level stake of £233, helped considerably by Accidental Agent’s 33–1 Ascot victory.