Ruby Walsh is all smiles after partnering Westerner Lady to her sixth win in-a-row © Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh completed a clean sweep of Graded races at Tipperary this afternoon, as Westerner Lady extended her unbeaten run to six in the Grade 3 Like A Butterfly Novice Chase.
Successful on her debut over fences at Kilbeggan in August, the daughter of Westerner followed-up on her next start at Listowel, and she was sent off the 2/1 second favourite this afternoon.
After racing in a share of the lead for most of the contest, the Anthony Butler owned victor held a definite advantage after five out.
She kept up the gallop in the straight, and was ridden out on the run-in to score by fifteen lengths. Deans Road finished second under David Mullins for Henry De Bromhead at 10/1.
World Hurdle runner-up Alpha Des Obeaux was sent off the well-backed 9/10 favourite (from 11/8) and he finished a disappointing last under Bryan Cooper for Mouse Morris. Sandymount Duke was backed from 8's to 6's on-course, and he too disappointed, finishing fourth.
Ruby Walsh, who was earlier successful on Ivan Grozny and Penhill said afterwards: "She jumps super but she had experience and fitness on her side. It was the plan to use that fitness and experience and she jumped super. She is also versatile trip-wise in fairness to her."
STEWARDS REPORT
B.J. Cooper, rider of Alpha Des Obeaux (FR) trained by M.F.Morris, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount struggled to stay the pace having made a mistake at the third last, before running on again in the closing stages having got its second wind.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
