Ruby Walsh came in for strong praise from winning trainer, and brother-in-law, Ross O’Sullivan following the Champion Jockey’s win on Bendanella in the Anthony Langan Supporting Sligo Races Handicap Hurdle at Sligo today.

Walsh crept his way into contention in the final half-mile and in the end arrived late to edge past Who’s Cross late-on, scoring a neck win.

Bendanella was having just his second start since December 2014 and was bridging a gap of almost three years since his previous win at Wexford in October 2013 and afterwards O’Sullivan stated “Ruby made the difference there - he was brilliant on him and it was an absolute peach of a ride.

"It was all about the fractions and he didn't panic - it was a perfect example of how to ride Sligo in soft ground.”

He added “he had plenty of ability and was a nice horse early on but then it all went pear shaped and he had lots of problems and takes a lot of minding.

“We were hoping down the back that he'd be in the first three, as we thought the first two had gone, but he never panicked and the win was down to the ride.

“He thought he was always getting there. He said when he got to the other horse he rallied a bit but luckily he got there in the end.

“The target was to win a race and get him back to the track. Everybody says at this time of year they are going to Galway but we'll maybe stay away. He's had a run over fences and might go back for a beginners chase. All his form is on soft or heavy and the ground is the key to him.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson