Bellshill and Ruby Walsh (right)© Photo Healy Racing
Ruby Walsh partnered his first winner since fracturing his wrist at Aintree on April 8 when providing Champion Trainer Willie Mullins with his first Grade 1 winner of the week at Punchestown today, with Bellshill in the top level Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle.
Walsh, riding his first winner since Annie Power's Aintree Hurdle win, yesterday returned to action following just an 18 day recuperation period but showed much more patience in the saddle on Bellshill.
The pair raced in rear but moved with their challenge in the home straight. Bellshill led before the last in front and while he momentarily cut off chasing Coney Island on the run-in, passed the line half a length ahead of that rival.
Afterwards Mullins stated “it was a very brave ride from Ruby and he'd a lot of ground to make up at (passing) the stone wall and he sat and sat.
"That's his third Festival run (after Cheltenham and Aintree) and he did the same last year, and came back and won here.
"I'm looking forward to going over fences next season; I know the owner would like to go for the World Hurdle but Shaneshill looks like he'll go for that.
"He looks an RSA (Chase) type if he's good enough; he was good over two miles on heavy ground in mid-winter but that seems to be his best trip now."
Paddy Power later introduced Bellshill at 14/1 for the 2016 RSA Chase at Cheltenham.
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
