THE ups-and-downs of racing were never better illustrated that at Clonmel yesterday when the Ruby Walsh bandwagon came to a partial halt. Walsh has been on a terrific roll, following his Cheltenham exploits, and came to the meeting with nine winners in the bag for three racing days since returning home.

CAPTAIN CONFLICT, a horse who has shown more than a hint of temperament on a couple of occasions, can get off the mark over fences in the Comeragh Beginners Chase at Clonmel this afternoon.

RUBY WALSH joined the sidelined Davy Russell at the top of the jockeys’ championship, 121 winners apiece, when guiding Captain Conflict to a smooth success in the Saltan Properties Maiden Hurdle at Tramore last night.

ARBOR SUPREME is the one to beat in the featured Powers’ Ulster Grand National EBF Handicap Chase at Downpatrick this afternoon.

MERCHENT PADDY can give us a big run in the Pierse Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown tomorrow, assuming the meeting passes a 7.30 inspection in the morning.