Ruby revs up with Cork double

Former multiple champion Ruby Walsh cut Davy Russell’s lead in the title-race to seven (100-93) when completing a pre-Punchestown double on Turban and Living Next Door in Cork last night.

Walsh’s prospects of overhauling the reigning champion over the five days of the Punchestown Festival are probably slim. But he gave himself a timely boost when landing the opening July 12th BBQ Evening Beginners Chase on the Willie Mullins- trained Turban, having only his second start over fences.

The six-year-old, sent off 7/4 favourite, jumped soundly and travelled strongly before taking command between the last two fences to beat market rival Darwins Fox convincingly by almost five lengths.