Ruby’s back at the double!
HE may have only had two rides since breaking his right leg in November, but there was never any chance that Ruby Walsh would be ring-rusty on the opening day of the Festival. Walsh entered the meeting having ridden a record 56 wins and ended day one on 58. The second of those victories came on Willie Mullins-trained Benie Des Dieux in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle, but the most impressive came on Footpad in the Arkle Novices’ Chase. The 5-6 favourite provided a perfect demonstration of what makes Walsh so good around this circuit. He sat 20 lengths off the breakneck pace set by duelling Saint Calvados and Petit Mouchoir before picking off the latter just before the home turn. It was a brave move, especially after Getabird, Walsh’s Mullinstrained mount in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, had bombed out behind Summerville Boy. Walsh said: ‘After sitting off the pace in such a big race, it’s a relief when it comes off. I suppose I learned a bit after the first race.’ Footpad is regarded as a potential future Gold Cup contender with scope to stay longer distances. Mullins, who felt Footpad was his best chance here, went one better than Walsh, completing a 54-1 treble when securing a third victory when Rathvinden, ridden by son Patrick, landed the National Hunt Chase. There were two equine fatalities on day one — Mossbank and Report To Base.