Comfortable for Walsh on Warrior Bog Warrior got off the mark over timber with the minimum of fuss when claiming the two-and-a-half mile maiden hurdle at Cork. Tony Martin's charge had fallen on his hurdle debut at Navan last month but showed no ill effects as he recorded a convincing success. Ruby Walsh played a waiting game on the 9/4 favourite and moved into contention going to the second last. The Gigginstown-owned gelding went on before the last and always looked in control as he was ridden out to beat Eyre Apparent by four lengths. "He always told us he was a good horse but he tends to race keenly and was very free at Navan last time," said Martin. "I'm not sure if he'll run again over hurdles this season but he'll make a proper novice chaser for next season. "Ruby liked him a lot. I said to him that I was surprised when he lined him up at the back but he said to me 'I'll ride them - let O'Leary fly them!'." Martin Ferris was handed a seven-day ban after the race for striking his mount, Mighty Spicy on their return to the enclosure after pulling up. The Stewards found that Ferris had hit his mount a number of times. He admitted he had acted out of frustration and said it was out of character.
