The Irish Mail on Sunday

Walsh’s woe as Footpad falls at last

- By Eoghan O’Brien

HOT favourite Footpad departed at the final fence as Saint Calvados made all the running in a dramatic Poplar Square Chase at Naas – one of two last-flight departures in a row for jockey Ruby Walsh.

British raider Saint Calvados hardly hit a twig in the hands of Gavin Sheehan, putting last season’s Arkle Trophy hero under pressure from an early stage in the Grade Three.

Sheehan lifted the tempo turning for home and Harry Whittingto­n’s flamboyant jumper held a three-length lead at the last, where Footpad slithered badly, giving Walsh (right) little chance of keeping the staying on the 4-9 favourite.

Saint Calvados (5-2) was left clear and coasted home by four and a half lengths, with Tycoon Prince claiming second place.

Whittingto­n said: ‘He’ll go for the Tingle Creek next and I’m looking forward to him going over the Railway fences there. He’s in the King George. But he’s a two-miler with that raw pace. It’s super, super exciting!’

Assessing Footpad, trainer Willie Mullins said: ‘Footpad has an overreach in front. He might have got it when he made the mistake (at the third fence). He’s quite sore and to me that’s enough to stop a fluent jumper from jumping.

‘He was very sore when he jogged in the stable yard after cooling down, and hopefully it’s just an overreach.’

There was more disappoint­ment for Walsh and Mullins when Espoir D’Allen (3-1) took advantage of the fall of Saldier at the final flight to land Grade Three honours in the Fishery Lane Hurdle.

Espoir D’Allen’s jockey Mark Walsh had a treble, with Rhinestone and De Name Escapes Me also successful.

Mullins said that Saldier had got a kick on the cheekbone and may have cracked bones.

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