Walsh swoops to conquer on Northern Alliance

TONY MARTIN, out of luck with Leg Spinner in the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock on Saturday, was back on the big-race trail at Killarney yesterday when Northern Alliance landed the valuable Murphys’ Irish Stout Handicap Hurdle.

Martin wasn’t present, however, to see Ruby Walsh produce the 11-2 market-leader with impeccable timing to cut down Northern Bay.

Eoin Griffin’s charge was in front soon after the start and they were tactics which looked destined to succeed for much of the straight.