Ruby at his best on Miriam’s Dream

On a day when Joseph O’Brien and Pat Smullen registered a winner each in the battle for the flat title, Ruby Walsh and Davy Russell treated punters to a tremendous duel in the Athleague Maiden Hurdle in Roscommon yesterday, victory going to the former champion on the Tony Martin-trained Miriam’s Dream.

After a titanic tussle from the final flight, Miriam’s Dream pipped Minella Reception by a head, providing Ruby with his fifth winner in three days and Martin with his third in twenty-four hours.

The winning trainer commented: “I was worried that he might blow up, after his break. I’m delighted for the lads that own him — they’re from Dublin and include Declan Arthurs, who bred the horse. He’s a grand little horse and should come on for this run.”