Walsh rode the last winner of a hugely successful career on Wednesday afternoon before revealing his decision to quit the sport.
The two-time Grand National winner donned his racing silks for the final time as he came out on top with joint-favourite Kemboy at the Punchestown Gold Cup.
Ruby Walsh goes down as one of the most respected jockeys in history having enjoyed two decades at the sport’s pinnacle.
The County Kildare-born ace is a 12-time Irish National Hunt champion jockey and was the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival on 11 occasions.
Walsh also wrote his name in the history books at Aintree having won the world-famous Grand National twice.
He rode Papillon to glory on his debut in 2000, before tasting success with Hedgehunter five years later.
The Grand National, though, was not the only major race Walsh made his mark at while racing.
He guided Kauto Star to Gold Cup wins at the Cheltenham Festival in both 2007 and 2009.
Walsh pointedly waved farewell to the Punchestown crowd after winning the Punchestown Gold Cup on Thursday.
And his retirement prompted an outpouring of heartfelt messages from racing fans, fellow jockeys and pundits alike.
Racing broadcaster and columnist Simon Holt summed up the mood, hailing Walsh.
“It’s the end of an era. A beautiful horseman – so still,” Holt said.