Ruby Walsh just got there in time to partner Jetstream Jack in the opener at Clonmel but there was no drama in the race itself as he recorded a cosy victory on his second outing over timber.

The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding had been fancied for the Cheltenham bumper last March but only beat a couple home in the Grade One contest after racing prominently early on.

He finished a moderate third to Archive on his hurdling debut at Galway last month but stepped forward considerably from that today on softer ground.

Walsh tracked the leaders in the two-and-a-half mile contest before taking over from long-time leader Sizing Alberta going to the last.

The 9/10 favourite was shaken up briefly to assert on the run-in and went on to post a comfortable four-length success.

"He's a big oul' galloping horse. He'll step up in trip and loves soft ground," said Elliott.

"He'll jump a fence too but will go for a little novice hurdle over three miles somewhere next.

"It was nice to have a winner for Graham and Diana Whateley and we had a good man (Walsh) stepping in today!"

Davy Russell was originally booked to take the ride but his return from injury was delayed by an administrative issue.

Walsh added: "He settled well today and I was even wondering 'god am I going at all'.

"He's a gorgeous big horse with a big future."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)