Walsh's journey to Roscommon pays off on Norwigi

Mark Walsh's sole ride on the card at Roscommon was a winning one as he steered 7/4 favourite Norwigi home in the Larry O'Farrelly Memorial Handicap Chase.

Long-standing maiden Agirlcalledchloe put in a fine front-running shift over this extended two miles five furlongs, but was collared by top-weight Norwigi at the penultimate fence.

Walsh drove her on before the last and the pair didn't have to get serious on the run-in as they took the honours by a reduced margin of a length and a-quarter from a game Agirlcalledchloe (9/1). Courting Vickie completed the places in third at 10/1.

Trainer Enda Bolger said: "That was a long time coming with her since she won her maiden hurdle.

“She's hit the crossbar a couple of times and I'm just happy to win with her now. She's a very well-bred mare and that's two races she has won so it's important.

“She was campaigned a bit high as well. Her mother (Nadiya De La Vega) is a Grade 1 chase winner, so for breeding that will be a big help.

“There might be something for her in Listowel, maybe the amateur chase or something, and she's in at Kilbeggan on Saturday. We'll see how she comes out of this.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson