Ruby Walsh continued his tremendous recent run of success when partnering Bushman's River, trained by his father Ted, to a bloodless victory in the featured Kilbegnet EBF Novice Chase at Punchestown yesterday.
The five-year-old gelding was left clear after Woodchester took a fatal fall at the fourth last fence, and brought down the 11/8 favourite Quintus. Walsh, recording his eighth win in the last seven racing days, was left to pop his mount over the final three fences to come home a distance clear of Mohera King. Sunshine Cabs eventually finished last of the three remaining runners, having been remounted after unseating Bobby McNally at the last. 'He jumped great, and was certainly alot better than at Ballinrobe last month,' said Walsh senior afterwards.
The Thomas Pink Gold Cup at Cheltenham next month is a possible target for Feathered Leader, who successfully reverted to minor obstacles in the Masterchefs At Punchestown Hurdle. Arthur Moore's charge needed a strong drive from Norman Williamson to head Miners Run after the last, and the trainer remarked afterwards: 'He is a good horse on good ground but will probably need to travel to England to get it over the winter. He may run in the Thomas Pink, while a two mile and six furlong race over the National fences at Aintree is another possibility.'
Williamson, who also partnered two winners at Navan on Saturday, later completed a double when Lisard River led close home to take the Beechwood Handicap Hurdle, and provided one lucky jackpot punter with a dividend of #12,040.
