Beaten when a strong favourite for the Fortria Chase and outstayed over three miles on his latest start, Scotsirish showed his true colours when running out a good winner of the O'Connell Logistics Hilly Way Chase to credit Ruby Walsh with a first win on his third ride back from injury. The sixteen length success completed a big across the card four-timer for Willie Mullins after Mikael D'Haguenet Shakervilz and Jayo s victories at Navan.
Scotsirish, 11/4 favourite, led three out and he had the measure of his main market rival, Wanango when that one crashed out at the last.
Walsh said: "He didn't stay three miles the last day. He gets two and a half miles well on good ground but two miles on that ground today suited him well. He has plenty of options in two mile races. I'm not sure if the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown might come a bit soon. The Normans Grove at Fairyhouse and the Woodlands race at Naas would be options too." (EM)
