From Cheltenham Legend to Jockey Mentor – Ruby Walsh’s New Mission for Racing

For generations of National Hunt fans, Ruby Walsh’s name is almost synonymous with the Cheltenham Festival.

Across a remarkable riding career, Walsh partnered 59 Festival winners, finished as Leading Jockey on 11 occasions and set standards that few are ever likely to match. His achievements are now recognised every March through the Ruby Walsh Trophy, awarded to the meeting’s leading rider.

Since retiring in 2019, Walsh has remained one of the most influential voices in jump racing through his television work. Now, however, he has begun another chapter, one that could shape the careers of future Cheltenham stars long before they reach the winner’s enclosure.

The former champion jockey is one of the founders of Complete Sports Management (CSM), a new agency created to provide professional jockeys with the support they need both on and off the racecourse.

From riding winners to supporting riders

Walsh knows better than most what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

During a career spanning 24 years, he rode 2,767 winners across Ireland and Britain. Alongside his incredible Cheltenham record, he won the Grand National aboard Papillon in 2000 and Hedgehunter in 2005, claimed two Cheltenham Gold Cups with Kauto Star and became a 12-time Irish Champion Jump Jockey.

While those achievements secured his place among the sport’s all-time greats, Walsh understands that success at the highest level requires much more than talent in the saddle.

Modern jockeys face increasing demands away from the racecourse, from sponsorship opportunities and media commitments to financial planning and tax responsibilities.

Complete Sports Management has been created to help riders deal with those challenges, allowing them to concentrate on riding.

Bringing experience together

Walsh’s influence on younger jockeys underscores the enduring appeal of the Festival. For many fans, that excitement continues off the course through an online casino, where racing‑themed games and online slots mirror the adrenaline of the track.

For his new venture, Ruby is joined by two fellow former jockeys, Fran Berry and Emmet McNamara, alongside chartered accountant and Managing Director JP Wynne.

Together they bring experience from race riding, broadcasting, finance and athlete management.

The agency officially launched in May 2026 and already has around 40 jockeys signed up.

Rather than acting as a traditional sports agency, CSM offers a complete support package covering commercial representation, sponsorship negotiations, public relations, tax, accountancy, financial planning, travel logistics and commercial partnerships.

For jockeys balancing busy riding schedules throughout Britain and Ireland, having those services available in one place could make a significant difference.

Lessons learned at the highest level

Few people have experienced pressure quite like Walsh.

Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown all demand complete concentration, with success often decided by split-second decisions made at speed.

Those experiences have helped shape Walsh’s view of what professional riders need if they are to perform at their best.

Speaking about the new venture, he said:

“Horse racing offers brands authenticity and huge opportunities with national and international visibility, but it needs to be done properly and professionally. Complete Sports Management acts as the bridge between ambitious brands and Irish jockeys. We create partnerships that are aligned, strategic and mutually beneficial.”

It is a vision built around giving jockeys the same level of professional support that athletes in many other sports already enjoy.

Helping the next generation

Emmet McNamara perhaps summed up the need for the agency better than anyone involved.

“Gone are the days of sorting out your tax return on the way to the races; the job is tough enough.”

It is a simple observation, but one that reflects how the role of a professional jockey has changed.

Today’s riders are expected to be athletes, ambassadors, media personalities and commercial partners, all while maintaining the fitness and discipline needed to compete at the highest level.

CSM hopes to remove much of that off-track workload by bringing every aspect of career management under one roof.

General Manager Dawn Wynne says the aim is to ensure jockeys have everything they need in one place, whether that involves handling administration, introducing riders to commercial partners or simply being available when support is required.

A legacy beyond Cheltenham

Ruby Walsh’s achievements at Cheltenham are secure.

His Festival winners, championship titles and countless memorable rides have already earned him legendary status among National Hunt fans.

Complete Sports Management offers him the opportunity to leave another mark on the sport.

Rather than adding to his own list of victories, Walsh is now helping today’s riders build stronger, more secure careers away from the racecourse.

If the agency succeeds in delivering on its ambitions, its influence may one day be measured not only by sponsorship deals or commercial partnerships, but by the number of jockeys able to focus entirely on riding, knowing the business side of their careers is in safe hands.

For a man whose name will forever be linked with Cheltenham Festival success, it is another chance to shape the future of jump racing, this time from the other side of the weighing room door.