Jockey Ruby Walsh partnered his 88th winner of the Irish jumps season when steering the Davy Fitzgerald trained Hellyhunter to win the opening Course Signage At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse today.

The son of Old Vic raced prominently throughout and eventually shook off his nearest challengers in the straight to register a 12 lengths win over Playboy Luke

Afterwards Askeaton, Co Limerick based Fitzgerald stated “Hellyhunter is a good tough horse but we didn't make enough use of him the last day at Naas. Chasing is his game but he'll have one more run over hurdles, maybe in a valuable novice handicap hurdle here in April.”