The John Joe Walsh yard sent out a gambled winning double at Limerick today as heavily supported Shower Cross under jockey Ambrose McCurtain, completed the brace in the FutureTicketing.ie Maiden Hurdle.

Walsh's Lady In Lavender had won the opener under jockey Rachael Blackmore, having been backed from 12/1 to 4/1 shot at the off, and an hour later, Shower Cross was another well supported winner.

The son of Portrait Gallery was a 9/1 shot this morning and while he was generally a 7/1 chance when betting offices opened at 10am this morning, was supported throughout the day and was returned the 9/4 favourite.

Walsh later commented “I was fancying him; he was a point to point winner and stays well. I'd say he mightn't like that ground but stays well and kept at it.

“He'll stay hurdling for the rest of the year. That's his first hurdles run and we'll see it the handicapper will handicap him or go for a winners' race next. He'll make a nice horse next year.”

Veteran trainer Walsh, from the home of national hunt racing in Doneraile Co Cork, added “bookies will be closed down, but the whole country was backing him before us! I didn't back him at all and wouldn't at that price and it was all internet betting.”