Ruby reaches landmark

"I know one person that's not counting anyway," said Ruby Walsh after partnering what is believed to be his 2,500th career winner on Au Quart De Tour in the Langton House Hotel Maiden Hurdle at Gowran.

Reflecting on why there might be a little confusion as to the exact number of his wins, Walsh reflected: "I probably would have ridden a few as an amateur on the Flat more so than as a professional.

"I don’t know to be honest but when you think about it it's still a long way behind Dickie (Richard Johnson) and a very long way behind A P (McCoy)."

On Au Quart De Tour's all-the-way eight length win the ten time champion remarked: "He did it well. He was unlucky the last day, when I think it would have been a five-timer on the day if he hadn't fallen for Willie.

"We got racing a long way out and I'd say he'd have no trouble going upwards in trip."

Walsh had earlier initiated a brace with Au Quart De Tour's trainer, Willie Mullins, as Footpad took the opener for the pair, and the latter commented: "He jumps well and gallops well and I can step him up in trip.

"He could easily go an extra half mile or more and he could be a staying hurdler. He's by Robin Des Champs and handled the ground well. He'll be entered in all the novice races (at Cheltenham)."

Paddy Power go 25/1 unchanged about Au Quart De Tour for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

It's evens with the same firm about Ruby Walsh reaching the 3,000 winner mark.

The Stewards fined Philip M. Byrne, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Rathnaleen Girl in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

The Stewards received a report from Mr.P.W.Murtagh , Turf Club Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that Mr D. Skehan , rider of Loch Luatha , weighed in at 2.7 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the rider was in breach of Rule 231 and they therefore suspended him for one raceday.

Mr P. Power, rider of Game Puppeteer trained by Paul Power, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount having disappointed to date, was dropped out in a change of tactics. He added that the horse finished the race out and stayed on well.

John Kirwan, trainer of Heart Island reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge burst blood vessels in running.

(TW & EM)