Ruby shines on opening day

Ruby Walsh shone bright on the opening day of Cheltenham as he claimed three victories, including the Champion Hurdle.

The Irishman opened up the Festival with a win in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Douvan and followed it up by guiding Un De Sceaux home in the Arkle.

However, arguably his most impressive ride came in the feature race of the day, the Champion Hurdle, where his decision to ride Faugheen came off as he brought the seven-year-old home first ahead of fellow Willie Mullins-trained horses Arctic Fire and Hurricane Fly.

Things could have been even better for the 35-year-old had Annie Power not fallen at the last while ahead in the OLGB Mares’ Hurdle, a slip that allowed stablemate Glens Melody take the win and further improve Mullins’ mood.

Despite Annie Power’s fall, Walsh admitted things could not have gone much better for him on Tuesday.

“It’s been a super day,” he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. “Douvan was great, Un De Sceaux was brilliant, Faugheen winning the Champion Hurdle was magic. At least Annie Power got up and there’ll be another day.”