Smith Confident Of Walsh Fitness Clive Smith is confident Ruby Walsh will be 100% for the ride aboard Kauto Star in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.The Irishman has been sidelined by a dislocated shoulder since November 17 but he is pencilled in to return at Thurles on Sunday before Kauto Star's bid for back-to-back victories in the Christmas feature.Sam Thomas deputised aboard Paul Nicholls' stable star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock but Smith is confident of Walsh being up to the job.'Kauto Star's very well. I went to watch him school this morning, which went very well, and he's looking really good,' said Smith.'Paul hasn't said anything to me about Ruby but he did say that he would like to see him ride for a day in Ireland before the race to prove his fitness ? but Sam will be there on St Stephen's Day as well.'Ruby has done such a marvellous job on him but you have to say that Sam did a wonderful job on him last time ? the horse went very well for him.'Ruby is the man and we'll see how he goes, I'm sure he'll go very well.'(C) PA Sport
