Bundle gives Ruby his first win back

Ruby Walsh recorded his first winner back since crushing a vertebra in a fall at Killarney in July, as Bundle Of Fun took the three mile Devon Inn Hotel Handicap Hurdle for trainer Willie Mullins.

It was Walsh's seventh ride back in the saddle, having returned to action aboard Salute Him over the course on Sunday. His last winner came aboard Fort George on July 21st at Killarney just an hour before the fall from Friendly Society which had him out for so long.

Bundle Of Fun was having just his third start for Willie Mullins today having come from the yard of John Murphy. He finished third on his first start for Mullins at Roscommon in August over two miles before winning next time out at Ballinrobe when stepped up in trip to two mile, four furlongs.

Stepped up again today to three miles the son of Topanoora took it in his stride as he took up the running after the second last before staying on well under pressure to hold off all challengers at the odds of 5/1. Blackwell Synergy at 14/1 stayed on well from the back to take second a length and a quarter behind just a nose ahead of Capal Dubh Alainn back in third at 25/1. Gormanstown Cuckoo who looked a likely winner in the early straight faded close home and finished a further two and three parts of a length back in fourth.

Willie Mullins, who is celebrating his 55th birthday today, said afterwards: "I have been disappointed with our runners this week and when Dorset Square got beat earlier I thought that was it, but it's great that this fellow won.

"I don’t know whether they just weren't firing or whether it was the ground.

"Me and Ruby though he wouldn't go on the ground but his owner Pat McSweeney though he would and he was right.

"I'm delighted for him as he asked me for a horse for Listowel and I thought Dorset Square would win for him.

"This fellow has a option over fences as he is well handicap over them. He might go back over them next but we will see what the handicapper does with him over hurdles now."

Winning rider Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "I haven’t been in the winners enclosure for a while now and it's great to be back! I’ll have to ride a bit longer now to make up for lost time!"

After the race Paul Carberry rider of Martin Scruff reported to the Stewards that his mount never handled the ground and choked during the race.

Donal Murphy