Jockey Ruby Walsh returned from his American Grand National heroics at Cork racecourse today and steered the Eric McNamara trained The Fitz Lady to a beautifully judged ride to win the Christmas Party Package Handicap Hurdle.

Walsh’s mount was chasing the leaders from the second last and once she found racing room, flew home for a two and three quarters of a length win over Balynaclash Warrior.

Trainer McNamara wasn’t present but Walsh, successful yesterday on Rawnaq at Far Hills, New Jersey, later commented “ I landed ten minutes early this morning, at 8.20am, dropped Gillian (wife) home and headed here.”

Regarding The Fitz Lady, he added “it’s that kind of a handicap where anything can win it. She pinged the second last, got a run and flew to the last, really pinged it and landed motoring.”

By Tom Weekes