Horse Racing

Ruby Walsh’s Claim To Fame

Rupert Walsh, born in Ireland in 1979, is a retired jockey and son of champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh. He ranks as the third most successful winner in British and Irish jump racing history, surpassed only by Sir Anthony McCoy and Richard Johnson.

He displayed his talent early on by winning the Irish amateur title twice before becoming a professional. Walsh won the English Grand National in 2000 and the Irish Grand National with Commanche Court the same year, both horses were trained by his father. Walsh went on to win three of the four Nationals in the 2004/05 season, making him the only jockey to have won all four. He won the English Grand National twice, finished second once, third once, and fourth twice, making him one of the most successful current jockeys in the race.

During his career, Walsh achieved 2756 victories, with a remarkable 2016-17 season where he set a world-record of 131 wins.

Walsh has faced various severe injuries, including a broken leg while competing in the famous Great Pardubice Steeplechase in the Czech Republic in 1999. He also broke the same leg while schooling a horse racing and was out of action for five months that season. However, he recovered in time to win his first Grand National. He led the Festival 11 times, in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.

He retired at the age of 40 after winning the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup, receiving a standing ovation and ending his career as one of the greatest jockeys of all time.

What He’s Doing After His Retirement

After his retirement when he had more time to enjoy playing at Canada casino sites, Walsh has been providing commentary on horse racing  for ITV and RTÉ at Kempton and Leopardstown.

Family Life

Walsh tied the knot with Gillian Doran in July 2006, and they welcomed their firstborn, Isabelle, in October 2009. The couple has since been blessed with three more daughters, Elsa, Gemma, and Erica. Rupert’s sister, Katie Walsh, is also a renowned female jockey.

Who Is Ruby Walsh’s Sister?

Katie Walsh (born 18 Dec 1984) is a former Irish jockey who achieved a third-place finish in the 2012 Grand National on Seabass, the highest finish by a female competitor at that time. She is the daughter of Ted Walsh, a renowned amateur jump jockey, trainer and television pundit, and sister of accomplished jump jockey Ruby Walsh. Walsh won three races at the Cheltenham Festival and on 6 April 2015 she became the third woman to bag the Irish Grand National riding Thunder And Roses.

In the 2010 Cheltenham Festival, Katie Walsh claimed victory in two races, securing her first two Cheltenham Festival wins. She rode Poker De Sivola to win the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup on the first day, and Thousand Stars to win the County Handicap Hurdle on the very last day of the festival.

In 2012, Walsh rode Seabass, trained by her father, in her debut Grand National. She finished in third place, which was the highest position ever achieved by a female jockey in the Grand National until Rachael Blackmore won the race in 2021.

What Is Ruby Walsh’s Net Worth

According to sources, Walsh is a highly popular and wealthy horse jockey, with an estimated net worth of $5 million.