Four for Willie as Rupert gives Ruby his treble

Willie Mullins continues his domination of the jumps scene and amazingly moved 93 winners clear of his nearest pursuer in the Trainers' Championship at Leopardstown today when his Rupert Lamb completed a four-timer for the Champion Trainer in the Leopardstown Beginners Chase.

The Trainers' Championship has been over as a contest for almost four months (Mullins leads nearest pursuer Noel Meade by 137 winners to 44) but Rupert Lamb's success also provided jockey Ruby Walsh with a treble on the day, greatly improving his prospects of regaining the Jockeys' Championship.

Walsh, who now trails Davy Russell 79-76, made all on Rupert Lamb and the pair stayed on well in the straight (the final fence was bypassed due to the deteriorating ground) to hod the challenge of Toner D'Oudairies

Mullins later stated “ Rupert Lamb jumped very well and I said to Ruby to be up there. Any time he met a fence wrong he was able to put in a quick one and he looks like a horse who could run in a handicap now.

“I think that's his trip (2m1f) and he'd like better ground but it's hard to see him being an Arkle Chase horse. He'll probably stay at home of the likes of Fairyhouse and Punchestown.”

Quotes from Alan Magee