Walsh edges closer to century

RUBY WALSH edged closer to the century mark of winners here at home when taking his tally for the season to 94 with a treble at Thurles yesterday aboard Financial Reward, Nay and Wickford.

Financial Reward was best for money in the Heineken W T O'Grady Memorial Hurdle, 9-10 from 5-4, and never gave his supporters any cause for concern. He travelled sweetly throughout, in the slipstream of Celtic Warrior. Walsh eased his charge ahead coming away from the second last and Financial Reward quickened nicely to score by eight lengths.

Trainer, Willie Mullins, said: “He wore a tongue-tie because some of the jockeys who have ridden him have reported that he gurgled, but I'm not convinced he needs it.