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Mullins pleased to have Walsh back

Ruby Walsh back in action for PunchestownRuby Walsh back in action for Punchestown
© Photo Healy Racing

Willie Mullins is keeping his fingers crossed stable jockey Ruby Walsh can make it through next week's Punchestown Festival without suffering further injury.

Walsh dislocated his shoulder and fractured the top of his humerus after suffering a bad fall from Abbyssial in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival, and it looked certain he would miss the rest of the campaign.

However, he has been given the all-clear to return to race-riding in time for next week's showpiece meeting, leaving Mullins understandably delighted.

"It makes my job a lot easier (having Ruby back). We'll be keeping fingers crossed he doesn't get a fall early in the week," the champion trainer told At The Races.

"He's back in good health, but we don't need any mishaps."

It promises to be another huge week for the formidable Mullins-Walsh combination.

The champion trainer racked up a record 13 winners at last year's Festival, beating his previous best of 12 winners, which he sent out in 2009 and 2010.

With Hurricane Fly, Annie Power, Quevega and Vautour headlining this year's team, another huge total could be in the offing.

Mullins said: "It always was the biggest Festival in the country and they've done huge things ground-wise and prize-money-wise over the last 15 to 20 years. It's fantastic the way they've managed this meeting.

"We get a nice break between Cheltenham and here and we aim that way. There's plenty of time.

"We generally bring a strong squad (to Punchestown) and I would imagine this year is the same. I wouldn't say it's any stronger. We might be a little bit stronger in the novice hurdle department, but I'm sure we're weaker in other departments."