Walsh out after operation

RUBY WALSH has undergone successful surgery on a ruptured spleen. Walsh was admitted to hospital on Saturday after suffering a kick to the stomach when Pride Of Dulcote fell at the second-last flight of the Cleanevent Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Walsh was taken to Cheltenham General Hospital and last night underwent an operation to remove his spleen. He is likely to remain in hospital for three days.

Jennifer Walsh, the jockey's agent and sister, said: "He's not too bad this morning - the surgeon was very happy with him. He's in good spirits and it's hopefully not a long-term problem. It is difficult to give a time-frame for recovery - it depends on the healing - but he could be out for anything between three to six weeks."

Pride Of Dulcote's trainer, Paul Nicholls, said: "What happened yesterday is nothing new and it is the way things go sometimes and yesterday was obviously Ruby's bad day. Ruby will hopefully be back soon but while he is out we've got an able deputy (Sam Thomas)."

Meanwhile, Hardy Eustace defied his veteran status as he claimed yet more Grade One glory with a gutsy win in the Maplewood Developments Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday.

Dessie Hughes' charge won back-to-back Champion Hurdles at Cheltenham in 2004 and 2005 but now rising 12 years of age, many thought days like this were behind him.

A disappointing 12th of 17 in the World Hurdle at the Festival in March, Hardy Eustace was sent off an unconsidered 14 to 1 chance as he made his seasonal bow in the two-mile race, formerly known as the Morgiana Hurdle.

With Paddy Flood aboard for the first time, Hardy Eustace quickly took up his customary position at the head of affairs, setting a reasonable pace before Sizing Europe swept through over three furlongs out.

Andrew McNamara looked confident on Henry de Bromhead's runner, who was also making his reappearance, but he looked to run out of petrol in the straight, with Hardy Eustace battling back gamely to prevail by two and a half lengths at the line.

Jered was sent off the 4 to 5 favourite but he was no match for his older rival and could finish only third.

Hughes said: "Obviously we are very happy with that and the horse is as good as ever.

"He finished sore and lame after the World Hurdle in March and probably needed that race. Paddy said he blew up before the turn for home so he should improve for the run. We will probably go for the Hatton's Grace (at Fairyhouse on November 30th) next."

Hardy Eustace is a 25 to 1 chance with totesport for the Champion Hurdle in March but the firm cut him from 40 to 1 to 20s for the World Hurdle following his victory. Sizing Europe remains an 8 to 1 chance for the Champion with Jered out to 12s from 8s.

Unfortunately Flood was given a two-day ban by the stewards for using his whip with excessive frequency. Hughes and Flood later made it a double though as Western Charmer (8-1) saw off 8-11 favourite Corskeagh Royale in the maiden hurdle.