RUBY WALSH SHINES FOR NICHOLLS

IT WAS a long time coming but the mighty Paul Nicholls - Ruby Walsh combination had to wait until the last before getting a winner at Taunton yesterday.

And it came in the bumper on the aptly-named Rock On Ruby who held off the determined challenge of Karasenir in the final furlong.

The day had started badly for Nicholls when Oamuru Stone, who looked woefully one-paced, was beaten in the conditional jockeys opener when ridden by Nick Schofield.

Nicholls and Walsh then teamed up for five rides with Toubab not shining in the 2.10; Watergate fourth in the 3.10; Valentine Vic a valiant third in the 3.40 and Oracle Des Mottes plugging on into second in the 4.10 before Rock On Ruby finally gave them something to smile about.

But it was a better day for Cappa Bleu who went some way towards resurrecting a season in danger of passing him by with a second-placed finish over hurdles.

The winner of the Cheltenham Foxhunter last March was transferred to Evan Williams for a career under Rules but had only managed a disappointing defeat in a minor event at Aintree and a fall in the Hennessy Gold Cup.

Williams was upbeat but undecided as to where Cappa Bleu would head next. He led for much of theway but could not quite match the finishing speed of Voramar Two (15-2) and was beaten eight lengths.

“I’m pleased he has enjoyed himself but Paul Moloney said he’s still very green,” said Williams. “He had a serious fall in the Hennessy and we needed to get him back on the rails. I might give him another run over hurdles, although he is in the Blue Square Gold Cup at Haydock. Paul said he didn’t have the speed today so that race might suit him.'

“I might well stick him in the William Hill at Cheltenham too, while there are nice races later in the spring.”

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