CHEERS ALL ROUND AS RUBY PUTS A DOUBLE ON ORDER.Byline: PETER O'HEHIR ODDS-on favourites Hurricane Fly and Master Minded gave Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh (born Rupert Walsh on May 14 1979 in Kill, County Kildare) is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen. a Grade 1 double on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival. But the champion's victories were achieved in contrasting styles, Hurricane Fly jetting to a supremely impressive win in the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle before 30/100 shot Master Minded scraped home, by a head, from Big Zeb in the Kerrygold Champion Chase. Tthe outcome of the two-mile championship race would, almost certainly, have been different had Big Zeb not ploughed through the final fence before rallying bravely and failing narrowly to peg back Clive Smith's six-year-old star. Afraid of a muddling pace, Ruby, pictured above, dictated the pace on Master Minded and, after the third last fence, appeared to have brushed aside the challenge of the Barry Geraghty-ridden Big Zeb. But, whether the reigning two-mile champion was tiring or idling in front, he was clearly in trouble going to the last as Big Zeb loomed large. The mistake, however, handed the initiative to Paul Nicholls's charge. But Ruby was glad to see the winningpost looming as Master Minded hung on grimly by a head, with Conna Castle twelve lengths away third. Paul Nicholls Paul Nicholls (born Paul Greenhalgh on 12 April 1979) is an English actor. His earliest role was in the BBC drama Earthfasts, but it was his character of Joe Wicks in EastEnders, which he played from 1996 to 1997, that first brought him fame. expressed the belief that Master Minded was merely idling in front. He said: "Ruby said he was pricking his ears and idling all the way up the straight, that he didn't pick-up. "Just like Kauto, we're learning about him all the time. And what he needs is a real end-to-end gallop. "He's been in since last July, which is a long time. Although the horse has been well, coming here was a gamble. "He's won and has earned a good holiday. He'll start in the 'Tingle Creek' again. And I'll make sure I run something to force the pace." Both trainer Colm Murphy Colm Murphy (Irish: Colm Ó Murchú) born 18 August 1952, Belleeks, County Armagh[1][2]) is an Irish publican and building contractor who was the first person to be convicted in connection with the Omagh bombing, but whose conviction was overturned on and Barry Geraghty Barry Geraghty (born 16 September 1979 in County Meath, Ireland) is an Irish jockey. Geraghty rode his first winner in January 1997, three years later he became the Irish Champion jump jockey for the first time. He won the Grand National in 2003 on Monty's Pass. expressed their disappointment at Big Zeb's defeat, but their delight at the eight-year-old's display. Bookmakers reacted by making Master Minded a best-priced even-money shot (with William Hill The name William Hill may refer to the following: People
Earlier, Hurricane Fly initiated Ruby Walsh's double when bolting home a seven lengths winner of the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle.. Returning after an injury which ruled him out of Cheltenham, Hurricane Fly was winning his third Grade . Trainer Willie Mullins said: "I'm absolutely delighted with that. "I was amazed with the way he worked last Tuesday - he blew both Ruby and myself away, the best he worked all season. And that performance proves it was true. "He showed today how much speed he has. I'm really looking forward to next season. He looks a Champion Hurdle contender. "I'm not sure if he's finished for the season. I could run him on the flat or bring him to Auteuil. But no decision will be made until next week." Ruby's hopes of completing a Grade 1 treble on Cooldine evaporated as the RSA Chase winner dropped away tamely to finish a well-beaten fourth behind Rare Bob in the Boylesports.com Champion Novice Chase. Ridden by Paddy Flood, Rare Bob pushed trainer Dessie Hughes through the EUR EUR In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Euro. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. 1 million barrier for the season for the first time. Hughes said: "We avoided Cheltenham and Aintree to go for the Irish National, but he didn't stay the trip. "The run at Fairyhouse taught him a lot and made a man of him. "He jumps very well, has a terrific cruising pace and is learning how to quicken off it. "He can only improve and will probably start in the 'Durkan' next season." CAPTION(S): SUPER FLY GUY Ruby Walsh and Hurricane Fly clear the last |
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