Swansea Mile throws a fine leap at the last for Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
The Woods Financial Services Maiden Hurdle proved a real triumph for Ted Walsh family as Swansea Mile trained by Ted Walsh for his wife Helen, scored in the hands of their son Ruby at Bellewstown.
The Dylan Thomas gelding was sent to the front approaching the final flight and poached a few lengths lead over 11/4 favourite Trainstation who appeared the likely winner when travelling strongly after two out.
The 8/1 chance was kept up to his work on the run-in and stayed on well to prevail by four lengths, with Lisa's Legacy another six and a half lengths back in third.
Ted Walsh said, "He'd a couple of good runs last year at Navan in bumpers but he ran poorly at Tramore and Downpatrick and never handled those places at all.
"He'd a couple of good hurdle runs over the winter, and won well here today. He'll get further, and handles the ground well. He'll probably go for a novice handicap and should win plenty more races in his category."
Ruby Walsh, "He travelled well and warmed up to his jumping. He didn't handle Downpatrick and Tramore, and the more level track has brought him back to his best form."
(GC & AM)
