Ruby Walsh determined to be back in action for Punchestown

Ruby Walsh hopes to return to the saddle in time for the Punchestown Festival, which begins on April 24.

After being on the sidelines for four months with a broken leg, the rider was back in action the week before the Cheltenham Festival, having two rides, and recorded a double on the opening afternoon of the big meeting, which included Footpad in the Arkle Trophy.

However, a fall at the second-last from Al Boum Photo in the RSA Insurance Novices' Chase on the second day aggravated the old injury.

Walsh told Racinguk.com: "I saw my doctor Diarmuid Moloney and the diagnosis is that it's a very similar fracture on the inside of the original one, which has effectively opened up.

"It's good news in that the cast has come off and I am in an air-cushioned boot right now. I don't know exactly how long it will take to heal but it means I am hopeful of getting back for Punchestown - Aintree is not going to happen for me though.

"The prognosis could have been a lot worse and I just have to treat this as just another setback. I am determined to get back in the saddle for Punchestown and hopefully finish the season on a high."