RUBY WALSH DOMINATES ON OPENING DAY OF FESTIVAL WITH 3 WINNERS

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby: Walsh enjoyed a fruitful Festival following return from injury

Hurricane Fly lived up to the hype as he completed a memorable day for jockey Ruby Walsh as he became the most successful jockey ever at Cheltenham.

An already tasty renewal of the Stan James Champion Hurdle, despite the sudden withdrawal of last year’s winner Binocular in controversial circumstances was just one of the many highlights on a fantastic opening day of the Festival for jockey Walsh and trainer Willie Mullins.

Mullins and Walsh were both remarkably celebrating their first victories in the 2m hurdle race, as Hurricane Fly triumphed on his first attempt over the Prestbury Park course, after twice having his Festival debut postponed in 2009 and 2010.

Well backed, despite the ever-shortening price of Menorah, the previous year’s Supreme Novice Hurdle winner, Hurricane Fly fought off the challenge of the impressive Peddlers Cross who lost its unbeaten record in the process.

Donald McCain’s stable star certainly lost nothing in being defeated by Irish jumps racing best kept secret.

Peddlers Cross stable-mate Overturn was the early pacesetter as McCain’s tactical plan worked a treat save for the powerful run of Walsh’s mount, as Hurricane Fly relished the famous and arduous Cheltenham hill on his first attempt.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Binocular, would have been encouraged by the display of the Oscar Whiskey, ridden on by Barry Geraghhty, who finished in place positions on all four of the opening races of the day.

Oscar Whiskey looks a horse who has the stamina for longer distances and could well be a future Ladbrokes World Hurdle contender.
The day though belonged to Ruby who picked up three winners in total on the opening day, on his first proper days racing since recovering from a broken leg sustained in November.

Walsh said: ‘There have been plenty of setbacks, lying on the floor of the gym in tears, and I know about finishing second in the Champion, having been runner-up on Brave Inca, Celestial Halo and Marble Arch.

‘But I was riding the Flat horse with the speed. I probably got there a bit soon but stamina is not an issue either and he has run all the way to the line”.
The mare Quevega provided Walsh with his third winner of the day, and a second on board for Mullins.

Quevega, overwhelming odds-on favourite for the David Nicholson Mares  Hurdle, romped home by ten-lengths from the decent Sparky May to complete a triumphant day for jockey and trainer and travveling Irish.

Mullins stood by his stricken stable jockey during his rehabilitation and had faith that Walsh would return and do what he always does - picking up winners in the big races.

Mullins said: “‘I would rather have Ruby half fit than most fellas fully fit. I kept in touch with Ruby while he was off, and when he eventually came down to ride, I could see there was nothing wrong with him.”

It completed a hat-trick of triumphs in  this race for the seven-year-old, who was prepared specifically by Mullins for his annual Cheltenham tilt.

The County Carlow trainer is aiming to send her over 3miles before the season finishes in May at the Punchestown Festival, before assessing future options for her.

A commanding display of horsemanship from Walsh, who saw off stiff competition from a competitive field, which included the greatly disappointing Cue Card. trained and ridden by the Tizzard family, last year’s Bumper winner never travelled smoothly and no excuses were offered for his poor showing.