It was business as usual for the Irish on the opening day of the 2018 Cheltenham as both Ruby Walsh enjoyed a double win to kick off the festival.
However amongst the joy and celebration on Tuesday, Walsh will be left somewhat disappointed after he received a two day suspension after an internal review was carried out by the British horse racing board.
Walsh who picked up his second win of the day onboard 9/2 shot Benie Des Dieux during the Mares Hurdle, was given the ban after a review found that he had over used the whip on the final stretch during a sprint to the finish with the 1/2 favourite Apple’s Jade.
Although the win will stand, it was bad news for Walsh after the racing board gave him a two day supension after he was caught using the whip eight times.
However the inform jockey and punters can breathe a sigh of relief as the board revealed that the Irishman does not have to serve the suspension immediately and that he is eligible to compete in the remainder of the festival.