Thurles reportJockey Ruby Walsh is just one winner short of 100 for the season following wins in the opening two races for Co Meath trainer Peter Casey before combining with Willie Mullins to complete a 23 to 1 treble.
Casey supplied Walsh with both winners of the maiden hurdles, Desert Island and Charlies First. Desert Island ran out the three-and-a-half-length winner of the Thurles Racecourse Maiden Hurdle, having led from the third last, staying on well to hold Where's Eddie.
Half an hour later Casey was again in top form, following Charlies First's win in the Baby Beef Maiden Hurdle. According to Casey, a winners' of one hurdle is next on the agenda for Charlies First.
Walsh rode his third winner on Mossy Green in the Cashel Fine Art Chase. The winner's jumping had been sketchy recently but never he looked in danger today, stretching clear from the fifth last before easing to a 12 length win. Willie Mullins later revealed: "I bought a new blood testing machine during the week and we tested Mossy Green this morning. It said his blood was wrong but he was in excellent form and we decided to run him - I'll have to get a new screw-driver next!"
The feature Grade Three hurdle went to Charlie Swan's Teeming Rain. JP McManus's gelding was held up by David Casey before making steady progress into a closing third at the third last flight. Front-running Sweet Kiln looked to have the race won before the last but was headed by the fast finishing winner on the line.
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