It was one ride one winner for Ruby at Thurles today but Mr Pernickety needed the full Walsh drive to land the spoils in the second division of the Clonoulty Handicap Hurdle. Glenbane Gent looked in control coming to the final flight in the 2m6f event but crashed out under Paul Townend.

Walsh, who had been at work on his mount from before the turn, forced the Robbie Burns-trained gelding to the front on the run-in to record a neck success over Dizzy Rascal

"Today's better ground was a help," said winning trainer Robbie Burns, who was full of praise for the winning rider.

"His awareness of pace is out of this world. When Tony McCoy praises him (as he did during Cheltenham) what can I say."