Walsh returns to saddle tomorrow Ruby Walsh eases himself back into action with the one ride at Tipperary on Indevan in the Grade Three Like A Butterfly Novice Chase. The jockey has worked hard rehabilitating his reconstructed shoulder. Plenty of ligament damage reportedly had to be tidied up and the fall Walsh suffered off Abbyssial in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham "was the straw that broke the camel's back". He went back riding for eight weeks and thankfully didn't get a fall at Punchestown or in France. The Kildare man hasn't been in action on the racecourse since June 8, when Diakali finished fourth in the French Champion Hurdle. As a course and distance winner, Indevan could easily provide the eight-time champion jockey with a winning return to action, despite having to concede weight away all round. In studying the form for the Grade Three Dolores Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle one might do well to keep a wet weather forecast in mind. It certainly won't be any surprise if the going description of good changes by the time racing is staged. Like the aforementioned Indevan, Cillian's Return has been victorious previously over track and trip and unlike many of his rivals he certainly doesn't have an issue with winter-like terrain. Tony Martin's charge is short on hurdling experience, but he has the talent to come out on top. Maybe other winners at 'the junction' in the past, Rich Coast and Storm Away, will emerge as Cillian's Return's biggest dangers. Mark Walsh rides Cillian's Return and he could also be on the mark for JP McManus on Top Spin in the Woodlands Hotel Adare Handicap Hurdle. This fellow cost 175,000 guineas when bought out of the John Murphy yard back in 2011. He's slowly getting the hang of things over timber and is one to watch in the market now. Murphy himself has an eyecatching newcomer in Alguazil for owner Kirsten Rausing in the opening Athassel House Stud EBF Maiden. This race will likely house plenty of future winners.
