1. He’s got his own Christy Moore song
And that one by Kaiserchiefs too. Sort of.
YouTube credit: pddybrry
2. He’s part of a great racing dynasty
Credit: PA/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Credit: David Davies/PA Archive/Press Association Images
3. He’s the jockey we pin all our hopes (and bets) on when Cheltenham comes around each year
Credit: Tim Ireland/PA Wire/Press Association Images
4. He's a true professional but also knows how to enjoy himself
At a Bon Jovi gig, no less...
Credit: aronhynes22
5. If horse racing was an Olympic sport, he'd be a multiple gold medallist by now
6. He's our favourite person named Ruby (not that he has much competition)
7. He knows his football
A long-time Manchester United fan, he recently wrote in his Paddy Power blog:
I’m biased because I was sitting in the stand at the end where all the goals went in, but winning the Champions League to clinch the treble in 1999 was undoubtedly the greatest achievement of Alex Ferguson’s time at Manchester United. To build such an incredible team, winning a league, FA Cup and then have them come back in the manner they did to complete the treble, there’s nothing like it.
8. He's a proud Lilywhite
9. He enjoys a good practical joke
Davy Russell is on the receiving end here:
YouTube credit: TG4
10. No matter how many falls he has had over the years...
Credit: David Davies/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Credit: Steve Parsons/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Credit: Daniel Hambury/EMPICS Sport
Or injuries he has sustained...
Credit: David Davies/PA Wire/Press Association Images
(see Paddy Powers' infographic of all Ruby's injuries)
You just can't keep him down
Celebrating with Hurricane Fly at this year's Cheltenham Festival.
