Walsh to ride Maximus

Ruby Walsh will take the ride on Equus Maximus in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham on Wednesday, with Johnny Murtagh getting the leg up on Ballytrim.

The announcement ends speculation over jockey plans for Willie Mullins’ five entries.

“We have sorted riding plans. Ruby will ride Equus Maximus as his win at Leopardstown probably represents the best form of our team,” Mullins told the Racing Post.

“The horse that ran second to him, Lord Lumey, is highly regarded and Tex Morgan, who was a long way back in third, came out and won at Navan on Saturday.

“Johnny, who has often ridden for me on the Flat, will be on Ballytrim, David Casey rides Shady Willow and Katie Walsh will be on Freds Benefit. We have also brought over Irish Invader but it looks as if he won’t make the cut.”