Walsh made to work for winning return

Ruby Walsh was made to work hard on his first ride back from injury as he took the Kerrymaid Hurdle aboard the 4/9 favourite Rattan for trainer Willie Mullins.

Walsh, who has been out of action since breaking his ankle from a fall at Galway on August 2nd, was expected to have an easy time of it aboard the son of Royal Anthem.

However 25/1 shot Miley Shah put it up to him and he looked the winner as they entered the straight as Rattan was being pushed along.

Miley Shah hit the second last and wasn’t fluent over the last as Rattan rallied under pressure and hit the front on the run-in before going on to score by a head, holding off the renewed challenge of the runner-up.

The front duo went eight lengths clear of Tristram Shandy who finished back in third under Robbie Power (replacing Emmet McNamara) for Eric McNamara.

Winning rider Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "I thought 4/9 shots were supposed to be easier than that!

"I’ve won a head so I’m a hero but if I was beaten a head I would be a gobshite!"

Winning trainer Willie Mullins added: "It is nice to have Ruby back and in good form.

"He hated the ground, it is really tacky. He’ll mix it between the flat and hurdling and he could jump a fence.

"It would be nice to get some summer ground."

The chestnut victor was recording his fifth career success this afternoon and his fourth over hurdles.

(On-course reporting by Alan Magee)