Emotional Ruby Walsh praises Annie Power after fine display at Cheltenham

You know what they say: Third time’s a charm.

Annie Power became the first mare to win the Stan James Champion Hurdle in 22 years, but for trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh, there were other reasons to toast a sweet victory.

Last year Annie Power fell at the last. At Cheltenham two years ago she came second. And yesterday, on what was a fantastic opening day for the Irish contingent at the festival, she came good.

The win was the second of three day-one triumphs for Ruby Walsh, and he was emotional afterwards. On the subject of his horse he said: “She deserved it.” But it transpired there was another Annie on his mind.

“There’s a little Annie in Ireland watching this,” he said, his voice quivering, “and she’ll be all right too.”

It emerged the ace jockey was referring to the six-year-old daughter of a vet at Willie Mullins’ stable who has cancer. Earlier, Walsh won the Arkle on Douvan and he later landed the Mares’ Hurdle on Vroum Vroum Mag for his third win of the day. Annie Power, however, was the talk of the town, with Mullins suggesting she could have a tilt at the Gold Cup.