Riven Light and Ruby Walsh head for victory as Hardline and Bryan Cooper crash out© Photo Healy Racing
Ruby Walsh looked to be going better on heavily-backed odds-on favourite Riven Light (2/7) when Hardline (on terms at the time) fell at the last in the Cahir Maiden Hurdle at Thurles. On his first run since an effort on the Flat in France 452 days ago, the 200,000 Euro purchase then raced on for a twelve length verdict over La Bella Vida
"I don't know (if he was getting the best of things on Hardline's departure). Bryan's (Cooper's Hardline) travelled up well and we both quickened really strongly," said Walsh afterwards.
"Obviously my horse is a Flat horse and Bryan's is a bumper horse — maybe his horse would have stayed better. It was unfortunate for him and I'm glad to see they both got up.
"I missed the first but he jumped and travelled well after that. It was a steadily run race but I had a lot of Flat speed so I didn't see much point in making it a stamina test."
Winning trainer Willie Mullins commented: "I imagine two miles will be plenty for him and wouldn't feel the need to go up in trip with him - I think he'll have enough pace for two miles.
"He'll probably head towards Christmas and go for a nice novice somewhere next."
For the Neptune Novices' Hurdle Riven Light remains a 20/1 chance with Paddy Power.
B.J. Foley, rider of Grandads Choice (GB), trained by Michael Winters, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran green, blew up across the top of the track and hung left in the homestraight.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Mistamel trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have suffered a cut to the front of his left hind coronet.
J.W. Kennedy, rider of Mistamel, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost it's action late on and was eased.
D.J. Mullins, rider of Milestone Prince trained by Michael McCullagh, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung right.
(TW & EM)
