Three out of three for super Walsh

RUBY WALSH’S decision to opt for Clonmel ahead of the Peterborough Chase meeting in Huntingdon proved spot-on yesterday as the formerchampion completed a treble for Willie Mullins on juvenile hurdler Ut De Sivola and novice chasersBlackstairmountain and Allee Garde, his only three rides.

Runner-up in his only start in France, Ut De Sivola justified strong support on his Irish debut in the Powerstown 3-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle, forging clear of Bat Masterson on the run-in to triumph emphatically by seven and a half lengths.

Well-backed in the morning and sent off a red-hot 4/11 favourite, Ut De Sivola, in the colours of Philip Reynolds, delighted Mullins, who explained: “There’s nothing flashy about him — he’s just reallyworkmanlike. He jumps nicely and always shows at home he’s a strong sort, with more left in the tank. So I think he’s going to improve.”