Walsh Has Top Rider Title In His Sights

Ruby Walsh ended day three of the Cheltenham Festival in pole position to claim the Racing Post award for leading rider at the meeting after scoring on Taranis in the Ryanair Chase.

Walsh is equal with Robert Thornton with two wins, but has two second-placed finishes to his name, which could be vital in securing him the title, and he will also be on board hot favourite Kauto Star in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, the feature race this afternoon.

Alan King, Paul Nicholls and Ferdy Murphy are all tied on two winners apiece in the race for the leading trainer.

Nicholls and Murphy were on the mark with Taranis and L'Antartique respectively, but in the event of a tie the result will be decided on prize money.

At this stage King would be awarded the title with £305,092 compared to Nicholls' £239,469. Murphy is on the £108,856 mark.

(C) PA Sport