Gungadu romps to glory in Racing Post Chase

Ruby Walsh survived a brutal assault by an improbable culprit on his way to a rousing big-race triumph on Gungadu at Kempton yesterday.

Walsh was clearly in agony after being kicked in the back by the flying hooves of a faller in the previous race.

Despite the pain, he managed to jump the final two fences of that race on Oslot to register a courageous victory.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said: "He couldn't breathe when he came back in, but the colour was back in his face by the time he went out to ride Gungadu."

Walsh confirmed: "I nearly pulled up Oslot because I couldn't get my breath. It felt as though I was suffocating."

There was certainly no sign of discomfort as Walsh then drove Gungadu home by three quarters of a length in a tight finish to the Racing Post Chase. The winner will head straight to Aintree.

There was no respite for Walsh, who continued his day's work at Kempton on a horse called Kicks For Free —naturally it won!