Jetstream Jack and Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Ruby Walsh just got there in time to partner Jetstream Jack in the opener at Clonmel but there was no drama in the race itself as he recorded a cosy victory on his second outing over timber.
The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding had been fancied for the Cheltenham bumper last March but only beat a couple home in the Grade One contest after racing prominently early on.
He finished a moderate third to Archive on his hurdling debut at Galway last month but stepped forward considerably from that today on softer ground.
Walsh tracked the leaders in the two-and-a-half mile contest before taking over from long-time leader Sizing Alberta going to the last.
The 9/10 favourite was shaken up briefly to assert on the run-in and went on to post a comfortable four-length success.
"He's a big oul' galloping horse. He'll step up in trip and loves soft ground," said Elliott.
"He'll jump a fence too but will go for a little novice hurdle over three miles somewhere next.
"It was nice to have a winner for Graham and Diana Whateley and we had a good man (Walsh) stepping in today!"
Davy Russell was originally booked to take the ride but his return from injury was delayed by an administrative issue.
Walsh added: "He settled well today and I was even wondering 'god am I going at all'.
"He's a gorgeous big horse with a big future."
(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)
