Walsh to ride Sports Line in Arkle Ruby Walsh has decided to ride the Willie Mullins-trained Sports Line in the seven runner Grade 1 Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday. Mullins admits he would prefer Sports Line, very impressive on his only chase outing at Navan in November, to have had more experience over fences. He has missed intended engagements since due to the inclement weather and the champion trainer would prefer his charge to have had more match practice going into a Grade 1 contest. "He's been a bit unlucky with the weather and we're asking him a big question putting him in a race like this on his second start over fences, but we have to do it," said Mullins. "We're happy with him at the moment and we'll just see how he gets on, but he'll love the ground." Take The Breeze, unbeaten in three starts over fences for Paul Nicholls, will now be ridden by Tony McCoy while Willie Mullins will also be represented by Lilywhitedancer, the mount of Paul Townend. Course winner Zaarito is also stepping up in class and is another notable challenger along with Bobs Pride and last weekend’s narrow Fairyhouse winner An Cathaoir Mor, who represents Henry de Bromhead. The septet is completed by Major Finnegan whose trainer Liam Burke won this 2m 1f contest with Thyne Again two years ago.
