Ruby easily doubles up with Simenon

Ruby Walsh completed a quick double at Cork as Simenon recorded a facile victory in the two-mile Friday Evening Racing Hurdle.

Thought good enough to run in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival (finished last of 19) and third in a Grade 1 at Punchestown last month, the Marju gelding appreciated this drop in class to score in great style.

The well-backed 9/10 favourite headed the front-running Dazzling Susie (16/1) entering the straight, and strode right away from two out to beat that rival by an effortless 15 lengths. Knockcroghery (20/1) was a further four and three quarter lengths back in third.

Walsh, successful in the opener aboard Roman Flight said: “He has form with plenty of good horses, and some of the opposition today are on the way down. His form with the likes of Trifolium gave him a great chance today.

”Ground wise he is confusing as he’s won on testing ground and on good today.”

The former champion was also very complimentary about the ground conditions (officially good) saying: “It is beautiful ground and they have done a good job.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)