McBratney’s trip worthwhile as Toye Native does the business

Ruby Walsh began his afternoon in style by guiding Colin McBratney’s Toye Native to victory in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares’ Maiden Hurdle at Limerick yesterday.

McBratney trains in Co Down and was quite entitled to quip: “that has made the journey worthwhile.”

Favourite, Carrigeen Lonicera, was on the pace throughout, but her jumping often lacked fluency and she had no more to give once Walsh produced the winner to lead between the final two flights.