Legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh expressed his frustration over the delayed start of the Turner Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. While providing expert analysis for ITV Racing, Walsh grew increasingly exasperated as the race, scheduled for 1:20 pm, was postponed due to horses being out of position or unprepared.
The delay was caused by several incidents: one horse was kicked by another, and another was even seen relieving itself on the track just moments before the start. These disruptions led to the decision to hold the race temporarily.
In a surprising turn during his commentary, Walsh compared the situation to advanced military technology, drawing a metaphor that baffled some viewers. “It’s 2026 lads. The tape should already be in front of them when they come onto the track, and it should move forward with the horses," he said. “We can send missiles after fighter planes in the Gulf, but nobody can design a rolling fly-away tape. That’s the joke.”
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Before making the comparison, Walsh highlighted the chaotic atmosphere at the starting line: “We’re just going to have to have a check here… The vet’s coming down — Graham, one of the senior vets — to check on this horse, Ballyfad, which just got kicked. When they’re all standing crowded together, everyone’s trying to get into position, and you’re just asking for trouble. We even have one horse having a pee right here in the middle!”
Walsh was not alone in his dissatisfaction with the delay. Former champion jockey AP McCoy echoed concerns, remarking, “It’s not a great look but what can you do? They often say you can’t win a race at the start, but you can certainly lose it.”
Despite the disruption, the race eventually went ahead, with 11/1 outsider King Rasko Grey taking the victory.