Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Ruby Walsh made a winning return to Irish racecourses at Tramore today, as the Champion Jockey steered the Willie Mullins trained Muthaza (1/2f) to win the Sponsor At Tramore (Mares) Maiden Hurdle.
The French import had little trouble beating her rivals on Irish debut, eventually scoring a five lengths win over Genesta
Ten times Champion Jockey Walsh suffered a fractured wrist at Aintree in April and as a result was selective in his rides at the Punchestown festival before returning to action with four rides at Auteuil recently.
Following today’s ride — his first in Ireland since April 30, and with the French Champion Hurdle upcoming, returning Walsh quipped “I said I better keep the lungs open for Un De Sceaux next weekend!”
He added "the trip and race suited her. She might be better than a Tramore-horse but jumps’ racing is being sent to the smaller tracks, with flat racing now gone from Wexford.”
Mullins wasn’t present but his representative Gail Carlisle said afterwards: "Willie said she was good and she'll stay in for the summer. She will be campaigned in novice hurdles."
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Donal Murphy
