Ruby Walsh is mobbed by fans at Sligo after he partnered Chiltern Hills to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Chiltern Hills finally shed her maiden tag over hurdles as she took the Kilcawley Construction Sligo Mares Handicap Hurdle under Ruby Walsh (his only ride at Sligo this afternoon) for Willie Mullins.
The daughter of Beneficial, who is owned by the Supreme Horse Racing Club, won her bumper at Wexford in May of last year on her second start but she failed to score on her first six starts over hurdles, five of which she was sent off favourite for.
Having her first start in handicap company, she was sent off the 2/1 favourite today and she improved to lead at the second last.
She was ridden to assert before the last and she kept on well from there to score by four and a quarter lengths. The Fran Flood trained Miss Xian (3/1) nabbed second on the line just a short head in front of the Fintan Feeney trained Girlie’sdream (25/1) in third.
Ruby Walsh said afterwards; “She jumped well and it’s good to get her head in front as you never know how much confidence that will give them.”
Just eight runners lined up for the contest worth €15,250, as fancied runners Twin Plan (in season) and Busted Tycoon (ground) were taken out earlier in the day along with Fanaan Aldaar & C’est La Mode (both ground).
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
