Ruby Walsh: Call Me Lyreen looks laid out for Galway Hurdle glory

I only managed to win the Galway Hurdle once, and Clondaw Warrior jumped terribly that afternoon. Perhaps that doesn’t matter

Call Me Lyreen and Keith Donoghue jump the last to win the Doneraile Walk Maiden Hurdle at Tramore last September. Picture: Healy Racing 

At Goodwood on Wednesday, Poetic Flare didn’t show the brilliance we saw at Ascot and didn’t seem as at home on the rolling Sussex downs as he did on the level Berkshire plains but take nothing away from the brilliant Alcohol Free, who landed a blow for the females.

At Galway, Paul Townend and Willie Mullins combined to win their second Plate together when Royal Rendezvous put in a spectacular round of jumping to go one better than 2020. Both he and Paul were a joy to watch as they led the field a merry dance and just held off the gallant challenge of Easy Game.