Erik sends favourite backers home happy Prince Erik justified favouritism in the concluding Yeats Beginners Steeplechase at Sligo under Ruby Walsh. Dermot Weld's grey was the one and only market-leader to oblige on this eight race programme. Walsh had to keep the son of Indian Ridge up to his work on the final circuit and he eventually accounted for Mulberry Boy (made a mistake two out) and Kirbybroguelantern (rider lost his whip entering the straight) by two lengths and four lengths. Walsh commented afterwards: "He is a real stayer and he jumped well. The fences here ride well." Walsh has now won four of the five chases since racing over the big black ones returned to Cleveragh last year. His wins have come on Bangonform, Thunder Run, Majestic Concorde and Prince Erik. His mount in the handicap chase today was the only failure - Yachvili who could manage no better than seventh.
