Jockey Ruby Walsh says he has no regrets after he decided to retire after winning the Punchestown Gold Cup aboard Kemboy.
The 39-year-old decided to call it quits after 24 years in the saddle and his final race saw him win another Grade One.
Walsh and Kemboy fended off a valiant charge from Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo but Walsh bows out after riding over 2,500 winners. He has more Cheltenham Festival victories than any other rider in history, while he also won the Grand National in 2000 and 2005.
His relationship with Hurricane Fly and Kauto Star will go down in history but Walsh admits he wants to try his hand at something new and trainer Paul Nicholls has wished him the best in retirement.
“The relationship with Kauto Star obviously particularly comes to mind. We had some amazing days with him, all the King Georges, the Gold Cups. “We had some fantastic horses at that time – Denman, Neptune Collonges, Big Bucks, Master Minded – they were all just great days.
“I thought when I saw him ride that winner that I wouldn’t be surprised if he called it a day after that, and it’s just great to see him go out doing what he does best.
“He’s been a fantastic jockey, a fantastic ambassador for the sport and he’s just a great man. He’s one of the best jockeys ever to ride for us and will always be a friend.
“I just wish him all the best and I’m thrilled to see him go out like this, in one piece with no more injuries.”
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