Ruby Walsh seemed to enjoy an almost ‘armchair-like ride’ on Minnie Dahill winner of the opening Molson Coors N.I. 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal today, and probably had more trouble pulling up the filly, trained by his father Ted, following her impressive win in the race.

Walsh held up the daughter of Finsceal Fior for much of the race and produced her late-on to lead approaching the last. She quickened clear on the run-in and passed the line a hard-held three and a half lengths winner, with the Champion Jockey taking some time to pull up the full-of-running three year old filly.

Winning trainer Ted Walsh was absent but afterwards his daughter and assistant Katie Walsh said: “she appreciated that nicer ground; she ran a nice race in Ballinrobe the last day but the ground was a bit nicer today.

"She has a lovely pedigree and it's great to win a race with her especially for Micheal (Ryan, owner and breeder). It's great, she jumped super and that always helps. She's a super lepper and has a great attitude. As I said, there is no substitute for pedigree and she has it."

Quotes from Michael Graham