Ruby rides Celestial to perfection

IF RUBY WALSH would later be left to reflect on the loss of his Gold Cup crown, there was still much evidence available yesterday that when he is provided with the right equipment, he can exploit it like few other jockeys ever can.

His ride on Celestial Halo in the JCB Triumph Hurdle was one of the highlights of the festival — almost mirroring his earlier ride yesterday aboard Fiveforthree in the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle — and the sheer excitement created by him going head-to-head in the final three furlongs with arch-rival and best friend Tony McCoy was intoxicating.

McCoy was aboard the even money favourite Franchoek and when Walsh struck from home after the third last, he ranged up behind Celestial Halo like the grim reaper himself, but as the two went hammer and tongs at their charges, it was Walsh who prevailed in a breathtaking display of strength, belief and doggedness.