Fistral Beach (red) on the first circuit of the Listed handicap chase
PICTURE: Martin LynchWinning British return for Walsh on Fistral
Report: Wetherby, Friday
Bet365 Handicap Chase (Listed) 2m4½f, 4yo+
RUBY WALSH, who hadthreatened to limit his appearances in Britain after picking up a five-day ban under the new whip rules, made a winning return on Fistral Beach.
Settled in mid-division, Walsh took closer order as the runners headed down the back straight for the final time. The gallop, while steady, accounted for pacesetter Safari Adventures as the runners exited the back straight.
That left Mister McGoldrick in front and for the briefest of moments hopes were raised that the 14-year-old could add to his eight wins at Wetherby, but coming off the home bend he was one-paced as younger legs quickened away.
With three in the air together three out, Fistral Beach and Persian Gates, who won the Bobby Renton over course and distance earlier this month, pulled clear of Araldur approaching the penultimate flight, but with Persian Gates crumpling on landing and badly hampering the staying-on Araldur, Walsh was left clear to register an eight-length success on the 5-2 favourite.
Araldur rallied gamely to hang on to second, having had his momentum stopped, the 16-1 shot getting the better of Charingworth (40-1) in a close finish for the places.
A quick reappearance for the winner is unlikely. Tom Jonasom, assistant to trainer Paul Nicholls, said: "We'll stay handicapping and we'll see how he's treated but he's a horse that goes well fresh."
On his successful return, Walsh added: "He jumped well. Fistral Beach is the sort of horse that when you have to pick up the whip you are beaten anyway."
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