After surprising the masses by announcing his immediate retirement, Ruby Walsh took a microphone and struggled to keep his emotions intact in front of the television camera.
Speaking to RTÉ television, the jockey spoke about his decision and reflected on a career that spanned nearly two-and-a-half decades.
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The 39-year-old explained to presenter Robert Hall that he was now content to look ahead to the next chapter of his life.
I talked to Gillian (his wife) a good while ago and there comes a time when you want to do something else. And I've been a jumps jockey for 24 years and I'm nearly 40 and I thought I want to do something else for the next 24 or 25 years.
When quizzed on whether he would follow in his father's footsteps and become a trainer, Walsh maintained he was happy to stay committed only to his duties with various media outlets. He did confirm, however, that he would continue his remarkable working relationship with Willie Mullins.
Meanwhile, Ted Walsh, sitting next to his son, looked back on his son's career and recounted his early memories of the former jockey in the saddle
He was always well able to ride. The one thing I didn't see, and nobody could see, was the mind he had. To put up the adversity of certain things that happened he was great. He was able to take the pressure of the big occasion at a very young age which is a great thing. I think having great success at a young age was a great thing. He was never cocky but always confident in his own ability.
After winning the Punchestown Gold Cup aboard Kemboy, his fellow jockeys organised an impromptu guard of honour for their senior comrade in the weighing room.
SEE ALSO: Ruby Walsh Announces Retirement After Punchestown Gold Cup Triumph
