Ruby Walsh made a winning return to Irish racecourses at Tramore today, as the Champion Jockey steered the Willie Mullins trained Muthaza (1/2f) to win the Sponsor At Tramore (Mares) Maiden Hurdle.

The French import had little trouble beating her rivals on Irish debut, eventually scoring a five lengths win over Genesta

Ten times Champion Jockey Walsh suffered a fractured wrist at Aintree in April and as a result was selective in his rides at the Punchestown festival before returning to action with four rides at Auteuil recently.

Following today’s ride — his first in Ireland since April 30, and with the French Champion Hurdle upcoming, returning Walsh quipped “I said I better keep the lungs open for Un De Sceaux next weekend!”

He added "the trip and race suited her. She might be better than a Tramore-horse but jumps’ racing is being sent to the smaller tracks, with flat racing now gone from Wexford.”

Mullins wasn’t present but his representative Gail Carlisle said afterwards: "Willie said she was good and she'll stay in for the summer. She will be campaigned in novice hurdles."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Donal Murphy