Walsh takes advantage of rival's ban

Ruby Walsh made full use of the enforced absence of title rival Davy Russell when sporting the Gigginstown colours of Edeymi to a long odds-on success in the opening two mile maiden hurdle at Clonmel.

Championship leader Russell is currently serving a three-day whip suspension, and Walsh gladly took over on the 2/7 chance. Chasing Shadows (5/1 2nd favourite) tried to make all under Bryan Cooper but Edeymi threw down a strong challenge in the straight.

The hot-pot just touched down in front after the last, and asserted on the run-in to score by three and a quarter lengths. An Dearthair Og (25/1) was a further two and a quarter lengths away in third.

This victory left Walsh 16 behind Russell in the jump jockeys championship (90-74).

Winning trainer Tony Martin said, “He deserved to win on his form, and had a great run at Leopardstown the last day.

“He made hard work of it but as a four-year-old the ground (officially soft, soft to heavy in places) may have taken its toll. All he can do is go on.

“He has a staying pedigree, and he showed today that he stays well. He’s probably not good enough to be a Triumph Hurdle horse after his run the last day but he’ll get an entry in the Fred Winter.”