A great shot of Stormy Ireland and Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Ruby Walsh brought an unusual 15-ride winless spell to an end with success on Stormy Ireland (5/4 favourite) in the Listed Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle at Punchestown.
Completing a double for her trainer Willie Mullins after the Craddockstown success for the Paul Townend-ridden Voix du Reve Stormy Ireland was impressive from the front under Walsh.
Again we were missing out on the hurdles down the back owing to the low-lying sun, but Stormy Ireland was going to be difficult to beat, whatever way it was served up to her.
The Sullivan Bloodstock Limited-owned four-year-old asserted at her ease approaching the straight, scooting away to defeat stable companion Good Thyne Tara (15/8 into 13/8) by eight and a half lengths.
Ria D’Etel (10/1 into 8/1) completed a clean-sweep for Mullins, five lengths back in third.
“She seems to have improved hugely from last season. The summer break has done her good,” said Mullins.
“She had a few very hard races last season. I thought she looked much stronger and she looked a little tubby, I thought, in the parade ring beforehand.
“Being able to do that, while looking like that, I think she'll improve.
“Ruby changed the bit on her before the race and put a kinder bit on her. She accepted it better.
“We'll try and plan for the future now. I'm trying to figure out what kind of a race we'll go for now as she's only four.
“We might look for a four-year-old race rather than take on the older horses. I'd imagine we'll keep her to mares races.
“Good Thyne Tara ran her race and she probably wants a longer trip at this stage of her career.
“We were very pleased with Ria D'etel We'll look for a race for her and she wants a longer trip as well.”
(GC & EM)
