Walsh Snatches Top Jockey Laurels

Ruby Walsh was crowned champion jockey at the 2006 Cheltenham Festival but it took until the last race of the meeting before he clinched the Racing Post-sponsored trophy.

It was the second time he has won the title having also been top rider at the meeting two years ago.

His final tally this time was three wins and as many seconds which just edged out Tony McCoy, who had the same number of successes but one less runner-up.

McCoy had started the final day as hot favourite and after he took the Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle on Black Jack Ketchum the championship looked his for the taking.

But Walsh had other ideas and drove Hedgehunter up to take second place in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, which ultimately proved crucial.

Then in the closing Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle he brought Desert Quest with a perfectly-timed challenge to score and take the title.

His other wins came on Noland (Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle) and Dun Doire (William Hill Trophy).

Walsh was surprised he had finished up the top rider.

He said: 'When I saw Black Jack Ketchum win I thought that was the end of my chances.

'I guess Desert Quest had to win and he did, just like Sporazene a couple of years ago.

'I was delighted when I found out I was top jockey. A few of my friends backed me at 3-1 so I'm pleased for them as well.

'There have been ups and downs this week. Denman ran a good race, I know he was beaten but you couldn't knock him and what a horse he'll be next year.

'I was disappointed with the falls with Kauto Star and Andreas but that's racing and you just have to pick yourself up again and get going.'

Nicky Henderson took the Racing Post Top Festival Trainer Trophy with three winners, the same number as Paul Nicholls, but the Seven Barrows handler had won the most prize money.

Henderson's wins came with Fondmort (Ryanair Chase), Non So (Racing Post Plate) and Greenhope (Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase).

? PA Sport