Walsh gets New Year off to a flyer

The season’s leading rider, Mark Walsh, started the New Year in great style when completing a fine treble on Missyspet, Noble Emperor and Sword Fish in Fairyhouse yesterday.

The Kildare man, who rode five winners at Limerick’s Christmas meeting, has now reached the 60-winner mark for the campaign, six clear of nearest pursuer Paul Townend.

Frank Berry, Racing Manager to J P McManus, owner of both Noble Emperor and Sword Fish, enthused: “Mark is riding with a lot of confidence, which comes from riding good horses.”