Walsh faces spell on the sidelines Ruby Walsh has undergone successful surgery on a ruptured spleen. The reigning champion jump jockey was admitted to hospital after suffering a kick to the stomach when Pride Of Dulcote fell at the second-last flight of the Cleanevent Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham yesterday. Walsh was taken to Cheltenham General Hospital and last night underwent an operation to remove his spleen. He is likely to remain in hospital for three days. Jennifer Walsh, the jockey's agent and sister, said, 'He's not too bad this morning - the surgeon was very happy with him. 'He's in good spirits and it's hopefully not a long-term problem. It is difficult to give a time-frame for recovery - it depends on the healing - but he could be out for anything between three to six weeks.'
