Ruby Walsh hoping Hurricane Fly will swat Jezki
THE two big prizes on the third day of Punchestown eluded Ruby Walsh but he has a good chance of winning both the Champion Hurdle and Champion Novice Hurdle today.
Hurricane Fly, right, has won the former race four times and only has two rivals (5.30). The trouble is that one of them – Jezki – beat him ?ve lengths last time out at Cheltenham.
Was that a one-off ?op for Walsh’s mount, or is the Fly – like Quevega – on the decline, as you would perhaps expect of a 10-year-old?
Whatever Walsh’s fate in the big one his mount, Vautour, should take the novices’ race (6.05) without too much to do. He was impressive at Cheltenham and is fresher than his rivals having not run since.
Seven of today’s runners are trained in England: 4.20 Ericht, Ballinvarig. 4.55 Nadiya de la Vega, Utopie Des Bordes, Une Artiste. 6.05 Lactana. 6.40 Gassin Golf.
All races are on ATR.