Irish jockey Walsh announce retirement

Irish jump jockey Ruby Walsh, one of the sport's all-time greats, has announced he will retire from competition, the Racing Post reported on Wednesday. Walsh, 39, announced his decision after his win on Kemboy in the Punchestown Gold Cup. Walsh is the Cheltenham festival's most successful rider, winning 59 festival races and being crowned top jockey at the leading meeting 11 times. His Cheltenham triumphs include three Queen Mother Champion Chase wins, with two on Master Minded and the other on Azertyuiop.

Walsh won two Cheltenham Gold Cups on Kauto Star in 2007 and 2009, and shares the record for most wins in the Champion Hurdle with four victories and the Stayers' Hurdle with five wins. The County Kildare born Walsh first emerged on the scene winning the Irish amateur title twice as a teenager before turning professional. 

(With inputs from agencies.)