There’s only one Ruby Walsh… only one…

TWITTER scribes, if that’s the appropriate word, bleat on and offer conspiracy theories to beat the band. Gavin Sheehan’s departure on the run-in at Ffos Las gave rise to another blast of outrage. But you know that when it comes to the crunch, which jockey most punters would want to have on their sides. Ruby Walsh demonstrated once more on Pleasant Company at Fairyhouse, it’s not brute force in the finish but intelligence through the race that prevails on jump races.

Significant doubles

ON the Cheltenham trail, two unlikely doubles came to notice this week. With Cheltenham being the target of every National Hunt horse, many have won different races there. However, there are few unlikely doubles than if Tiger Roll could win the four-mile National Hunt Chase to add to his Triumph Hurdle win as a juvenile. In a similar vein, should Cue Card win the Gold Cup, it would be a remarkable feat, seven years after he won the Champion Bumper as a four-year-old.

Presenting Phil

PERHAPS Phil Smith emerged this week as the biggest threat to the Turf Club’s attempts to stamp out non-triers or horses not ridden to achieve the best possible position, especially when it comes to handicaps.

If you want to get your horse on a decent mark in a Cheltenham handicap, it’s hardly an inticement to reveal all if you are going to be given 6lb extra across the water.

ON TWITTER

Oli Bell@olibellracing

Catching up on yesterday’s racing. Ride from @Ruby_Walsh on Pleasant Company and James Best on Pilgrims Bay are about as good as you’ll see

Justin O’Hanlon@rpdarkhorse

Anyone who questions whether @Ruby_Walsh is the best, just watch that ride on Pleasant Company. Masterclass.

Francis Keogh@HonestFrank

Fancy Leicester to win under Shakespeare

Two-nil Or not two-nil

Lawney Hill@LawneyHill

Thanks to the punter who rang to call me a”f***ing paedophile” & “tonight you’ll be dead” It’s not just jockeys #deaththreats

Adam O@adam_is_calling

Had a chuckle when I saw the breeding of this @ellertonzahra filly from Friday’s @FlemingtonVRC jump outs. Well played.

Tina Turban (Helmet-Simply The Best)

Richard Hughes @RHughesracing

Happy retirement #SolePower you are a star . Well done Ed lymam and team for minding & training him 5 star treatment

Chris Hayes @chrishayes24

A privilege to have ridden him. A bigger privilege to have won on him. Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement sole power. #legend