Ruby Walsh made a successful return to the saddle when True Blue Victory, trained by his father Ted, justified favouritism in the opening Cashel Maiden Hurdle.
The reigning National Hunt champion jockey was having his first ride since dislocating his hip at Listowel in September, and had no worries aboard the 6/4 favourite. The Catrail gelding travelled strongly throughout, and jumped to the front two out to beat Horner Rocks by a comfortable seven lengths.
'The hip feels fine, and its great to come back with a winner,' said Walsh. True Blue Victory could be aimed at a rated hurdle in Cork next Thursday, and Walsh senior added, 'He is big enough to jump a fence in time.'
John Cullen recorded a double aboard Native Park and Donna's Princess. Native Park proved a facile winner of the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle, striking the front entering the straight to beat Doesheknow by ten lengths. 'He has always showed plenty at home, and hurdles are going to make a big difference to him. He'll go novice hurdling,' said winning trainer Paul Nolan.
Cullen followed up on 20/1 chance Donna's Princess in the EBF Beginners Chase, leading before halfway to beat Take Five by eight lengths. 'She jumped well, but I thought that she would need the run today,' said Waterford trainer Garrett Ducey.
Kadoun was sent off the 4/7 favourite for the Fethard Hurdle, but the Michael O'Brien-trained four-year-old was soundly beaten by Native Scout. Kieran Gaule's mount cruised to the front two out, and was value for a lot more than the four and a half lengths winning margin.
Alan Magee
