Walsh delighted to be back with a winner

Ruby Walsh returned from almost four months off due to a broken leg with a winner on board Lareena in the two-mile maiden hurdle at Thurles.

The five-year-old mare, trained by Willie Mullins, tracked the leaders on the rail before making her move into second on the home bend.

The 11/8 favourite got on terms with Rough Night at the second last and took over on the approach to the last.

Her market rival, Awayinthewest tried to come with a run but was less than fluent at the final obstacle.

Walsh got into the drive position and Lareena responded on the run-in to kick five lengths clear.

Awayinthewest (6/4) came home second with Rough Night third at 16/1.

Ruby Walsh said: "She did it well and jumped really well. Her last run was a good run and the winner then has won since.

"I thought she might struggle to beat Pat Fahy's mare (Awayinthewest) but she had fitness on her side and ground it out well and pinged the last."

Regarding his own fitness, he added: "I thought I was alright anyway - she won didn't she!

"We'll see what Willie decides to do [over the coming days before Cheltenham] but I don't mind and I'll do whatever Willie wants me to do.

"When you're back you're back and he's my boss now again!"

Walsh sustained a broken leg in a fall from Let's Dance at Punchestown in mid-November.

He has said that the ride on ante-post-favourite Getabird in the Supreme Novices Hurdle that opens the Cheltenham Festival next Tuesday was his target during his recovery.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes