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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Walsh takes advantage of rival's ban

Thu 16th Feb 2012, 14:30

Edeymi (right) just heads Chasing Shadows at the lastEdeymi (right) just heads Chasing Shadows at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Ruby Walsh made full use of the enforced absence of title rival Davy Russell when sporting the Gigginstown colours of Edeymi to a long odds-on success in the opening two mile maiden hurdle at Clonmel.

Championship leader Russell is currently serving a three-day whip suspension, and Walsh gladly took over on the 2/7 chance. Chasing Shadows (5/1 2nd favourite) tried to make all under Bryan Cooper but Edeymi threw down a strong challenge in the straight.

The hot-pot just touched down in front after the last, and asserted on the run-in to score by three and a quarter lengths. An Dearthair Og (25/1) was a further two and a quarter lengths away in third.

This victory left Walsh 16 behind Russell in the jump jockeys championship (90-74).

Winning trainer Tony Martin said, “He deserved to win on his form, and had a great run at Leopardstown the last day.

“He made hard work of it but as a four-year-old the ground (officially soft, soft to heavy in places) may have taken its toll. All he can do is go on.

“He has a staying pedigree, and he showed today that he stays well. He’s probably not good enough to be a Triumph Hurdle horse after his run the last day but he’ll get an entry in the Fred Winter.”

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.