Ruby's stickability works wonders as Old Castletown scores again

Ted Walsh probably didn't spend a lot of time wondering whether to let Old Castletown take his chance in the 2m6f handicap chase having won here on Thursday, but it almost ended in calamity when he ploughed through the first fence, causing Ruby Walsh to lose at least one iron and end up around the horse's neck.

Thankfully for trainer, owners and anyone who backed him, Walsh executed a magnificent recovery and then bided his time, having dropped to the rear, before bringing his mount through to lead over the last and beat Swantykay by two and three-quarter lengths. Even by the champion jockey's standards, this was special.

"He's a bit of a daft so-and-so, he's like his dam Killeen Castle, she gave Ruby a couple of purlers of falls but won a couple as well," said the trainer.