Stunning landmark testament to Ruby Walsh’s enduring class

It’s rarely mentioned now, but Ruby Walsh’s first ride at the Cheltenham Festival wasn’t exactly smooth.

Papillon, a horse he would partner to a Grand National success two years later, was his first mount back in 1998, but the bay was no fan of the Prestbury Park track and a young Walsh never got to grips with his tricky maiden ride in the Kim Muir.

“I just couldn’t get him to go about his business,” he explained years later in his autobiography.