Irish team move into clear lead

THE Irish team will carry a 68-28 lead into the final leg of the annual Jockeys Challenge against Australia at Downpatrick on Friday, following the achievements of Ruby Walsh and Philip Carberry in last night’s action at Roscommon.

The home team enjoyed a decisive advantage after the first leg in Killarney on Sunday and, as he had done twice at the Kerry venue, Ruby Walsh earned maximum points when partnering the Tony Martin-trained Kniaz into second place behind Curragh Gem in the Handicap Chase last night.

The winner, trained by Joe Crowley and ridden by Johnny Allen, was not part of the challenge but Pearl Essence, trained by Dessie Hughes, provided the Irish riders with their first outright win of the series when landing the handicap hurdle under Philip Carberry, the 5/1 favourite getting the better of Coolnaharan, the mount of leading Aussie Paul Hamblin.