Ruby Walsh consolidated his lead in the Jockeys' Championship when partnering Willie Mullins' Red Vinto to win the Kilkenny Racing Festival Handicap Hurdle at Gowran today.

Red Vinto chased the leaders before moving through to lead before the second last flight, eventually responding to Walsh's pressure for a length and a quarter win over Molinero

Afterwards Mullins reported "the drying ground in the last week helped Red Vinto hugely and I'll debate whether to go for a novice chase or handicap hurdle next. However, if the ground turns heavy, I'll give him a break until the Spring."

The win moves Walsh onto the 44 winner mark for the season, 14 winners clear of second placed Paul Carberry.