Garri Ard appreciates step up in trip

CHAMPION jockey Ruby Walsh celebrated the resumption of racing action when recording a double on Garrai Ard and Vital Plot at Kilbeggan last night.

In the first domestic action since Leopardstown last Sunday, punters endured very mixed fortune. But Walsh gave them something to cheer about when bringing home 7/2 joint-favourite Garri Ard a convincing winner of the J A Shaw Handicap Hurdle from fellow joint-favourite The Bay Lad.

Having made stealthy headway on the final circuit, Walsh made his move at the second last flight, where the runner-up, a narrow leader, made a mistake. Walsh quickly seized the initiative and drove Garrai Ard clear to triumph by five and a half lengths.