Ruby Walsh on Cheltenham day two: Bellshill is ‘sparking’ and Douvan is simply ‘class’

Ruby Walsh believes his Cheltenham chances will improve as the week goes on, with Douvan an odds-on favourite for tomorrow’s Champion Chase, writes Stephen Barry.

Walsh’s traditional charge on day one, or ‘Ruby Tuesday’, hasn’t materialised. Injuries to Faugheen and Annie Power denied him a good shot at retaining the Champion Hurdle, Limini finished a close third in a thrilling Mares’ Hurdle and Melon missed out in the Supreme Novices’.