Walsh excited about jumps season potential Ruby Walsh believes the current National Hunt season could turn out to be "one of the best in living memory". A multiple champion jockey and the winning-most rider in Cheltenham Festival history, Walsh is full of enthusiasm as the campaign begins to find its feet. He is particularly excited about the staying chase division, with reigning Gold Cup hero Sizing John set to tackle the likes of Thistlecrack, Might Bite and Djakadam, who he has steered to be placed in the last three renewals of the blue riband at Prestbury Park. Speaking to Racing UK Club Magazine, Walsh said: "I truly believe this year's jumps season could be one of the best in living memory. A lot will depend on horses staying fit and regaining fitness, but if the stars align, then we're all in for a real treat - and hopefully I can make some headlines of my own. "There are 10 or so chasers who could be in line for the Cheltenham Gold Cup crown this season, which shows how open the division is. There isn't a stand-out at this stage, and I would be surprised if one emerges, given the high quality of talent spread across Ireland and the UK. "The season could play out with Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John making a winning reappearance in the Betfair Chase in November. If that does happen, then connections will want to aim for the King George - the second leg of the Jockey Club's Triple Crown £1million bonus. "At Kempton he would, in all likelihood, meet the 2016 King George winner Thistlecrack and Might Bite, who should have won on the same card but for falling at the last. Add the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree to the race and it looks like being a classic. "Sizing John's trainer Jessica Harrington is also responsible for the Irish Grand National winner, Our Duke, who will no doubt be kept away from his stablemate and looks the real deal. "God willing, Djakadam will line up in March and try and emulate The Fellow, who was second twice and fourth before winning the Gold Cup at his fourth attempt, while Yorkhill will also be in the shake-up for top honours and always performs at Cheltenham. "Arguably, the race of last season was the Punchestown Gold Cup, in which Sizing John got the better of Djakadam and Coneygree in a thriller. "We should see plenty more of those type of races and finishes."
