Ruby free to ride at Newbury on Saturday The British Horseracing Authority have confirmed the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase will be transferred from last Saturday's abandoned Sandown card to this weekend's superb fixture at Newbury. The 'Betfair Super Saturday' meeting is already due to feature the likes of Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Long Run, exciting novice chaser Sprinter Sacre and the hugely talented Grands Crus so the addition of this Grade 1 prize adds further strength to a stellar card. The move is excellent news for jockey Ruby Walsh as he was initially due to be suspended on Saturday, but will now be available to ride due to the rule that bans can be deferred on days where Grade One races are run. Confirming the news on Twitter, the BHA said: "BHA Racing Department can confirm that the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase will be staged on Saturday at Newbury. "As the Scilly Isles is a Grade One race, this would mean that Ruby Walsh's three-day suspension would not apply on Saturday." The BHA also revealed that they are "exploring options" for restaging Sunday's abandoned meeting at Musselburgh on either Saturday or Sunday this week. Musselburgh general manager Bill Farnsworth said: "There are all sorts of possibilities but from a Musselburgh point of view, we would be keen to stage a replacement meeting. "Whether the card would be the same as the abandoned meeting, I'm not sure, as there are various factors to consider." Walsh was delighted with the news and tweeted: "Looking like I have got a get out of jail card for Saturday! Grade 1 Scilly Isles is my ticket to at least take part. Happy days." As expected Walsh will now ride Zarkandar in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday replacing Daryl Jacob. Zarkandar's trainer Paul Nicholls confirmed the switch on his twitter account stating "After discussing with owners Ruby now switches to Zarkandar and Daryl Jacob rides Empire Levant @ Newbury Saturday."
