Ruby Walsh was a winner on his first ride back after a seven-week absence at Clonmel this afternoon. True Blue Victory, trained by his father Ted, justified favouritism in the 2m maiden hurdle. The reigning champion, sidelined since dislocating his hip at the Listowel Festival, sent the 6/4 chance to the front two out for a comfortable 7L win over Horner Rocks.
"The hip feels fine, and its great to come back with a winner," said Walsh, while his father Ted said: "True Blue Victory may go for a rated hurdle at Cork next week, and is big enough to jump a fence in time."
John Cullen enjoyed a near 94/1 double aboard Native Park and Donna's Princess. Native Park never came off the bridle in landing the 2 1/2m maiden hurdle, leading before two out to beat Doesheknow by a 10L. "He has always showed plenty at home, and hurdles are going to make a big difference to him. He'll go novice hurdling," said trainer Paul Nolan.
Donna's Princess completed the Cullen double in the beginners chase, left in front at halfway before eventually beating Take Five, who jumped repeatedly to the left, by 8L. "She jumped well, but I thought that she would need the run today," said a surprised winning trainer Garrett Ducey.
Kadoun (2/5-4/7f) was easy to back in the winners' hurdle, but the 4yo was no match in the straight for the Kieran Gaule-ridden Native Scout. Donie Hassett's charge earned a 28/1 quote from Cashmans for the Supreme Novices Hurdle after cruising to the front two out to beat the hot-pot by 4 1/2L. Falcon Du Coteau provided one lucky jackpot punter with a dividend of £4,570 after making all under Paul Carberry for an easy win in the handicap chase.
Larry Hurley recorded his 13th win in the saddle aboard Garvivonnian in the handicap hurdle, while Tribal County (Kevin O'Ryan) got on top inside the final furlong in the bumper.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
