Ruby gets first win since return from injury

Ruby Walsh scored his first win since recovering from injury aboad the Willie Mullins-trained Arch Stanton in the Tattersalls (Ireland) Ltd Novice Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh scored his first win since recovering from injury aboard the Willie Mullins-trained Arch Stanton in the Tattersalls (Ireland) Ltd Novice Hurdle.

The six-year-hold finished sixth to Brave Inca in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and was beaten just a length at Fairyhouse on his last start.

There was no danger of that this time, though, as Walsh made progress to go second entering the home straight before taking over the running over the final flight.

The 2-1 favourite went clear to score by three and a half lengths from Hardy Duckett, giving Walsh his first win since returning from injury.

“It is nice to get one on the board,” said Mullins. “He was a shade unlucky at Fairyhouse.”

Arch Stanton has now won two races over timber and his handler feels a change of direction is in order due to the drying ground.

“The ground is getting a bit lively now so he’ll probably leave jumping behind and perhaps run in some Flat races, although I have nothing special in mind,” he added.