Jockey Ruby Walsh could face criticism from his Irish colleagues if he accepts the ride aboard leading Cheltenham Gold cup fancy See More Business in next Thursday’s ‘festival’ feature.
Last week, the Government advised all Irish people, including all those directly involved in the racing industry, to stay away from Cheltenham for fears of bringing foot-and-mouth disease into the Republic on their return.
Irish trainers also confirmed they would not be sending horses to Cheltenham because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Britain. This was a move endorsed by Irish National Hunt jockeys.
Walsh, who rode Papillon to victory in last year’s Aintree Grand National, was due to ride his father Ted`s Commanche Court but was given the option of riding See More Business as regular jockey Mick Fitzgerald was claimed to ride Marlborough.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of See More Business, said, however, that Fitzgerald could still be on board should Marlborough, trained by Nicky Henderson, be withdrawn.
"The owners spoke about it last night and booked Ruby for the ride," he said.
"Obviously, if anything happens to Marlborough Mick would be back on."
Nicholls also confirmed that Walsh will partner Fadalko in either the Cathcart Chase or the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
He said: "Ruby has ridden for us before and I am delighted he has been booked. He will come down and ride `See More` over the coming weekend, and possibly stay until the meeting."
Walsh was unavailable for comment.
Reacting to the news, the Minster for Agriculture, Joe Walsh, neither condemned nor condoned the planned ride.
"In the final analysis it’s up to the people themselves to decide what they want to do," he said.
The Minister also expressed sympathy for the dilemma faced by many jockeys whose livelihoods are currently threatened by the crisis.
Meanwhile, a code of practice has been implemented to allow controlled, but limited access to the Curragh Gallops.A decision was taken this morning to lift the ban imposed on animal owners last week.
The Department of Defence had requested all animals on the Curragh, Co Kidare, be removed from the land because of fears foot-and-mouth disease could spread in the Republic.
All Curragh racehorse trainers will now install and maintain disinfecting facilities at all exits and entrances to yards, while access to gallops will only be permitted between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Disinfecting facilities will be in place and maintained at the entrances and exits of the all-weather gallops.Also, in an effort to minimise traffic and movement, trainers are requested to use the all-weather facility nearest to them.- Additional reporting PA