Are Ya Right Chief (nearest) edges out Davy From Milan© Photo Healy Racing
Ruby Walsh gave Are Ya Right Chief the full treatment to land the spoils, and register a quick double, in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle at Thurles.
11/4 favourite Davy From Milan had taken over before the third last in the 2m6f event but was tracked into the straight by Walsh's mount, who travelled best.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was asked for an effort two out but had to work to get his head in front before the last.
Davy From Milan proved a determined foe and was back in front at the final flight. Walsh threw everything at Are Ya Right Chief on the run-in and got him up in the dying strides for a head success.
The bumper winner was coming good after proving somewhat frustrating over timber last year when he was beaten favourite four times.
Walsh commented afterwards:- "He battled well. Not many horses win with that 8lb penalty (for having won a race previously)."
Mikey Butler, rider of the runner-up, picked up a six-day whip ban. The stewards ruled that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and had failed to give his mount time to respond.
Mullins and Walsh had also teamed up to land the earlier maiden hurdle with Rolly Baby
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
