Ruby & Royal rout rivals After two near misses favourite backers finally got on the board as Royal Reveille for the father and son team of Ted & Ruby Walsh took the third race on the card the Pyramid Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle in convincing fashion. The winning son of Old Vic was the clear form choice after putting in three good efforts on his last three outings in handicap company. So it came as no surprise that he was sent off the even money favourite. Royal Reveille was always prominent and disputed the lead five flights from home. He soon led after that with the runner-up, Sea Master being his only danger coming into the straight. However approaching the last he pulled clear and won easily by twelve lengths at the finish. The Iggy Madden trained runner-up was returned at 16/1, while Rathgar Flyer for Eamonn Sheehy completed the placings a further eleven lengths back in third at 33/1. The second favourite at 15/8, Granaruid, who dominated the betting with the winner, finished a very disappointing seventh under Paul Carberry. Winning trainer Ted Walsh said afterwards: "That was grand, he done what was expected. Once the second favourite (Granaruid) didn't operate on the ground, it turned out to be a one horse race. "He won a point-to-point, so two and a half to three miles is his trip. It was great for Barry (Owner, Barry Connell), he was owed that." After the race Mick Halford trainer of Granaruid reported to the stewards that his horse did not handle the ground.
