Royal Alphabet and Ruby romp home

Royal Alphabet under Ruby Walsh made an impressive debut over fences in the Killinan Beginners Chase in Thurles today.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old was a leading novice hurdler in Ireland last season and was always prominent under Ruby Walsh, jumping fluently before taking a clear lead down the back straight.

Walsh took a look around in the home straight for dangers, and although he had to keep the 6-4 favourite up to his work, he was allowed to come home in his own time for a six-length victory.

Ladbrokes were impressed enough to cut the gelding to 12-1 from 20-1 for next year’s Irish Independent Arkle Chase.