It’s Ruby’s Tuesday..
Walsh is red hot & Willie Mullins lands a treble...
RUBY Walsh and Willie Mullins saved the bookies more than €4million on the Cheltenham Festival opener yesterday.
The pair have cost the industry millions over the years but firms were singing their praises last night.
Thousands of racing fans piled into the Gloucestershire course for the first day of the annual meeting as the sun beamed down to replace the morning showers.
And although punters are ahead going into day two, the bookies had a very lucky escape yesterday when Apple’s Jade was defeated in the 4.10 Mares’ Hurdle by Walsh’s and Mullins’ Benie Des Dieux.
Nicola Mcgeady from Ladbrokes said: “Day one has gone in favour of the punters but just about.
“Had Apple’s Jade won, we would have been looking at one of the worst opening days in festival history.
“There was a €4million swing on Gordon Elliott’s star, so the cheers from the trading floor raised the roof.”
The first race of the day went the way of Britain with Summerville Boy coming home in front, although it was ridden by Irish jockey in Noel Fehily.
But there was a familiar sight in the second as Walsh romped home on Footpad for trainer Mullins.
The Carlow trainer was almost celebrating again in the feature contest, the Champion Hurdle, but Melon was just chinned on the line by hot-favourite Buveur D’air with Meath rider Barry Geraghty on board.
Winning owner JP
Mcmanus is known to enjoy a gamble but didn’t back the 4/6 shot. Leon Blanche from Boylesports said: “The day started well when Getabird got beaten but then we had the big treble of Footpad, Buveur D’air and everybody was waiting on Apple’s Jade.
“It’s not often we say thank you to Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins but today is definitely one time we are.”
The Mullins team were celebrating again after the National Hunt Cup Fan shouts when Willie’s son Patrick won on Rathvinden.
Speaking after completing a treble, the trainer said: “We’re delighted. The horses are performing well. It’s been a fantastic day for us.”
Mister Whitaker’s win in the final contest left Britain 4-3 ahead after day one. Many punters had the winning feeling yesterday and rugby ace Dave Kearney was among them.
He said: “I backed the first three winners so it’s all good. They were all singles. I wouldn’t be a big punter now but it’s a bit of craic.
“I heard about the Cheltenham roar,