Ruby Walsh believes his father Ted has had his reputation damaged after the legendary trainer was present at a premises where a raid was conducted by Department of Agriculture officials on a Kildare stud farm last week.
Unlicensed substances were seized from equine therapist John Warwick in a probe led by the Department of Agriculture and the Gardaí, as well as officials from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), at the Monasterevin yard last Tuesday.
Walsh believes that testing of his father’s three-year-old – which was present to be looked at by Warwick – will clear him of any wrongdoing but the legendary jockey acknowledges that that may not change some people’s opinions on the matter.
“Of course, it’s damaging reputation-wise for racing and for everybody that has been named in the piece. Dad was there, he has explained exactly why he was there, for laser treatment on a horse’s tendon,” Ruby told RTÉ 2fm’s Game On programme.
“Some people will think he was complicit and you’ll never change their opinion.”
Meanwhile, Willie Mullins looks set to saddle a trio of raiders in the €300,000 Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury on Saturday week with Munster National winner Ontheropes spearheading his team which also consists of Brahma Bull and Annamix.
“The plan is for all three to come over. I have two horses coming off summer preps and Ontheropes won the Munster National. He has matured a lot this year and has a real good profile, like Total Recall (the 2017 winner),” Mullins said.
