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IRISH CHAMPION GLORY FOR INCA

ABOVE: Ruby Walsh

It turned into a slog and was more of a stamina contest than the stop-start pace we had here over Christmas

Ruby Walsh

26th January 2009

BRAVE INCA produced a gutsy and game performance under Ruby Walsh to lift his second Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown yesterday.

Walsh struck for home as they turned out of the back straight but was being shadowed by Muirhead and Sublimity.

The latter found little in the holding ground and finished fourth but Muirhead was travelling sweetly in the hands of Barry Geraghty.

However, when push came to shove he could not pass Brave Inca, who seemed to find reserves of stamina as they jumped the last and was three quarters of a length too good at the line.

“He has had a lot of bridges to cross since injuring his leg, and even had a few setbacks coming here,” said winning trainer Colm Murphy.

“It is incredible to think what he has done and how he has put us on the map.

“We’ll see what happens but he is entered in the Champion Hurdle and the World Hurdle at Cheltenham. There is also Aintree and Punchestown to consider.”

Walsh said: “He is such a tough horse and a real credit to Colm. He got the tactics spot on and said we needed to ensure an end-to-end gallop.

“It turned into a slog and was more of a stamina contest than the stop-start pace we had here over Christmas.”

William Hill quoted the winner at 20-1 for the Champion Hurdle with Muirhead 33-1 and Sublimity 14-1.

Earlier Golden Silver had beaten Forpadydeplasterer a head in the Grade One Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup to earn himself 14-1 quote from Blue Square for the Arkle at Cheltenham.

“He never seems to give his all at the first time of asking so he’ll hopefully improve again from here,” said winning trainer Willie Mullins.

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