RUTH LANDS FIRST WIN WITH DARIUS

RUTH JEFFERSON saddled her first winner as Cyrius Darius gained an emotional victory in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso yesterday.

The Malton-based trainer (above), whose father Malcolm passed away two weeks ago — his funeral takes place today — was “thrilled” after the nine-year-old’s 12-length victory in the race he had captured 12 months before.

“The first winner is one of those things you want to tick off, regardless of the circumstances in which you start training ,” she said.

“After he ran at Wetherby, we made the decision to go back hurdling and it’s all come together perfectly.”

RUBY WALSH, sidelined since breaking his leg in a fall from Let’s Dance at Punchestown in November, hopes to return to riding work for boss Willie Mullins next week.

“I need to be patient but it could be by the end of next week,” said the 38-year-old — the most successful jockey in Cheltenham Festival history.