I Shot The Sheriff scores in style© Photo Healy Racing
I Shot The Sheriff was the only one punters wanted to know about in the Micheal O'Murchadha Memorial Rated Hurdle and he duly obliged under Ruby Walsh for Tony Martin and owner Malcolm Denmark.
The eight-year-old son of Westerner (also the sire of Westerner Point ran a fine race on his debut for Martin at Navan last month, finishing second to Forever Gold on what was his first start for nearly two years.
Available at 11/8 last night that price was gone this morning, as he opened on-course at 6/5 before going off the even money favourite.
Settled well off the pace he was sixth with a circuit to race. He improved through the field on the final lap and cruised into second two out.
He came with his challenge at the last and soon hit the front, going on to score easily by seven lengths. Velocity Boy who attempted to make all, finished second at 7/1 under Barry Cash for Willie Murphy while Heck Thomas (4/1) was a further four lengths back in third under Ger Fox for Noel Meade.
Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "He was bang in at the weights and the conditions of the race really suited him.
"The drop of rain didn't do him any harm and he did it well. I'd say he is more of a winter horse. To ride him you wouldn't think he wants quick ground, he hits it plenty hard.
"He has won a race now and I'll leave where he goes now up to Tony Martin."
