Ruby Walsh insists he will be fully fit to ride at the Cheltenham Festival.

The 39-year-old is the most successful jockey in Festival history with 58 wins to his name, but he has been struggling for fitness.

He has not ridden since mid-February following a fall at Thurles, but he says that he remains on course to ride at Prestbury Park.

Walsh said: “I’m fine after the fall in Thurles. I got a kick in the foot and it was sore for a few days, but I’m busy riding out now.

“I’ve been very lucky as I first rode at Cheltenham when I was 18 and since then I’ve only missed a few days (at the Festival) in all that time.

“I don’t have as many favourites to ride at Cheltenham this year as I’ve had in the past, and the more favourites you have to ride the more chance you have of riding winners. We still have plenty of chances, but not as many strong ones as we had in the past.”

Walsh remains favourite to win the jockey’s title, but he is seemingly being taken on by the punters.

“Ruby Walsh is proving friendless in the top jockey market at present, with Barry Geraghty by far the worst result,” said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.