Rubi shows the old spark

We had famous silks at the number one following the opener at Thurles, and it was a case of more of the same half-an-hour later when the Champion Hurdle winning colours of Bill Hennessy (Sublimity 2007) got a successful airing courtesy of Davy Russell and Rubi Light

This was a heart-warming success in the Thurles Racecourse Rated Chase, as the veteran Rubi Light out-battled Arnaud from the back of the last, to prevail by three parts of a length.

The other two participants in this two and a quarter miler, He'llberemembered and Irish Thistle were eight lengths and twelve lengths off the front pair.

"I thought the trip would be too short for him, but he outstayed him. Davy said he was always very confident on him," reported winning trainer, Robbie Hennessy.

"It's great to get him back, as he has had plenty of problems, and lives outside in a specially designed paddock. He was bursting blood vessels last year and also had a wind operation.

"He's in the Grand National and we'll have a look at it as there's only one Grand National and my dad (Bill Hennessy, owner) has had a winner at Cheltenham but never at Aintree!

"That'll be a bit of a boost for dad as he hasn't been well the last few weeks." (TW & EM)