Finishing line in sight for Walsh

The title of Ireland’s champion jockey moved ever nearer to its conclusion today as both Ruby Walsh and Davy Russell rode a winner apiece.

As a result, Walsh maintained his seven-winner margin over his nearest rival and with only two days of racing to go, he is a very short price to collect the specially created bronze trophy on Saturday.

The day had started brilliantly for Russell, however, as riding Kalahari King for his former boss in England, Ferdy Murphy, they raced to a popular success in the AON Hurdle.

Murphy, despite being based in North Yorkshire, has a fantastic record at the Punchestown Festival and was following up the victory of Another Promise last year.

It was a brave effort from the winner as he ran in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr last weekend.

But Walsh was not to be outdone and guided Irish Invader to an easy success in the One 51 Handicap Chase to restore his advantage.

Russell will be hoping for a good day tomorrow to at least give him a fighting chance of overhauling Walsh on the final afternoon.

The victory of Irish Invader cemented Willie Mullins’ place at the top of the trainers’ table.

He is over 200,000 clear of nearest challenger Noel Meade, who won the closing Masterchefs Hospitality (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race with Go Native

JP McManus now looks assured of picking up the owners’ title after his nearest pursuer, Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown Stud, failed to find a winner.