Butcher finally delivers

The Crafty Butcher, who was proving very costly to follow, finally got his act together for Ruby Walsh when taking the Holy Thursday Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel yesterday.

Walsh was in no hurry, but this was over as a contest once he asked his charge to lead over the second last. The Crafty Butcher quickly surged clear to beat Jewel Star by nine and a half lengths.

“He’s been a bit frustrating’’, said trainer, Michael Hourigan, with more than a hint of understatement. “We will keep going with him for a while, although I don’t know about running the horse on rock hard ground.’’