Banasan a National treasure for Walsh and O'Brien

MICHAEL O’BRIEN and the irresistible Ruby Walsh combined to win their first Guinness Kerry National at Listowel yesterday with the six-year-old, Banasan.

“That was a surprise, big-time”, reported Walsh. “I didn’t think he would handle the ground, but Mr O’Brien was very sweet on his chances. He jumped super and stayed really well.”

Barrow Drive, what a cracking race he ran on his reappearance under 12-0, dashed to the front at the third last for Jim Culloty. By now, however, Walsh had Banasan in full flow and he landed in front over the second last.