Ruby Walsh rode two nice novice hurdlers to win for Paul Nicholls at Worcester yesterday in former Irish pointers Wilton Milan and Fox Run. The Kildare man was back on Irish soil at Thurles today to guide Pique Sous to an effortless victory in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle.

Walsh kept it simple from the front on the grey, a 4/7 shot, and anyone that bet the odds-on never had a second of panic.

Really good in bumpers where he won three and was placed at the Cheltenham Festival, Pique Sous was always going to win and he asserted from before the last to beat Dale Street by five lengths.

Willie Mullins trains the successful French-bred for the Supreme Horse Racing Club and he said: "We tried a tongue-strap (wore one before on his debut) on him today and changed the plan by making the running.

"He was too free the last day and he could still improve more as he was too keen early in his jumping. As he settled that got better.

"We'll go for a winners race now. He is not a real winter heavy ground type of horse. We may have to travel with him (cross-channel) or give him a break."

Stan James go 20/1 (from 25s) about Pique Sous for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. (TW & EM)