Un De Sceaux leads Black Sammy© Photo Healy Racing
A bloodied Ruby Walsh drew level with Davy Russell at the head of the Jockeys' Championship (85 winners apiece) with a win in the Festival Party Pack From €19 Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown today, steering the Willie Mullins trained Un De Seaux to a winning Irish debut.
The son of Denham Red raced keenly and made all, shaking off the challenge of Sammy Black in the straight to record a six lengths win, with 25 lengths back to third placed Never Enough Time
It was a case of third time lucky on the afternoon for Walsh, who had earlier twice fallen from his opening two rides. On the way to the start in the opener, Walsh parted company with the subsequently withdrawn Andiamos before falling from the ill-fated Apt Approach in the second race, leaving the the jockey with a bloodied face.
Dr Carlos McDowell, Turf Club Medical Officer, later reported Walsh to be “going for examination tomorrow” with a suspected broken nose.
Following Un De Seaux's win, Mullins, recording his 154th winner of the season, stated “he has been doing that sort of work at home and is one I've been looking forward to getting out.
“He jumped well for a horse first time over hurdles, carrying a penalty but he's very hard on himself and we'll see how he comes out of this before deciding where to go. He is certainly a nice addition to the team and they went some 'clip' - the time was huge for the ground (4m09.9sec).”
Quotes from Alan Magee
