Walsh swoops late on Penhill

Penhill lunged late to take the opening Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle at Galway, leading home a one-two for Willie Mullins in the two-mile contest.

Ruby Walsh 's mount was sent off an easy to back 8/1 shot having proven disappointing on his last outing at Killarney.

He was held up today and still looked to have plenty to do jumping the second last.

Things appeared to be going to plan for well-backed 13/8 favourite Oathkeeper who raced prominently and hit the front after the third last.

The market leader blundered at the final flight, however, and was collared on the run-in by another Mullins runner Master Of Verse

His lead was short-lived as Penhill, who was untidy himself at the last, picked up well after being switched to the inner and got to the front close home for a half length success.

Gigginstown gelding Master Of Verse filled the runner-up spot with Oathkeeper another half length back in third.

"It was a masterclass in schooling and riding. He didn't jump the first two or three, and Ruby said he'd concentrate on getting him jumping after that,” said Mullins.

"I stopped watching him as I thought he'd no chance and was looking at Master Of Verse, who was given a fine ride by Bryan to challenge at the last. I couldn't believe it when I saw Ruby coming up on the rail.

"It was a spectacular ride as he didn't enjoy the hurdles."

Walsh said:- “I didn't jump well at all very early. He kept jamming on but as the race went on he wasn't losing as much ground jumping.

“He jumped the third last okay and started travelling down the hill. I was thinking 'if they stop at all I have the momentum to get them'.

“I thought going to the last I'd win but I made a mistake and they all landed in front of me so I had to switch in. I was lucky enough to get a run.

“He's a 100 rated horse on the Flat and is probably a horse with an awful lot of ability. If only David Casey schooled him right we'd be alright!”

A minute silence was observed in memory of the late John Thomas McNamara before the second race at Galway this evening.

A large group of his former weigh-room colleagues were in attendance in the parade ring, and the minute silence was followed by a spontaneous round of applause by racegoers for the former top amateur rider.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)