RACING ON RTÉ

WITH Robert Hall absent due to illness, there was a new team front and centre for RTÉ Racing this Leopardstown Christmas meeting with Hugh Cahill taking up the reins alongside Ted and Ruby Walsh.

All went seamlessly, Cahill had no problems stepping into the role though the programme lacked a bit of extra content. Only Charles O’Neill came for interview ahead of the ITM Stallion Trial on January 12th and 13th.

The lads had underestimated the cold and Hugh and Ruby made promises to bring four more layers the next day. And that was after Ruby had two helpings of Christmas dinner and two desserts over Christmas! Only Ted the “old-timer” had no complaints about the cold.

Down in the ring, Leon Blanche reported to Tom and Brian of money for Death Duty as Footpad was on the drift and Ballyneety had support in the bumper.

Before the Juvenile Hurdle Ruby is very keen on Espoir D’Allen. “I’ve ridden in all his races, his form sticks out a mile.”

He duly wins the Grade 2 juvenile and impresses Ted too. “He would give JP’s other mare a bellyfull of it.”

As the winning team pose for photos with Pat Healy, Ruby wonders “Who’s going to buy the picture? I can’t see Frank or Charlie or Mark, maybe Gavin will buy it!”

Ted also reminds viewers of our absent friend: “We haven’t actually shot Robert Hall, he’s at home watching, he’s been a bit under the weather.”

There are tributes to Noel O’Brien from all the team. “He had a job where he should have had loads of enemies and very few friends but it was the absolute opposite for him.”

Ted summed it up: “We all have our special memories of Noel. He was just a one off.” Brian Gleeson added his tribute. “No amount of superlatives would do this man justice.”

It’s a pity the King George is not shown, but before the race the team offer their opinions. Ruby saying,“If you’re offering me a ride, I’d love to be on Might Bite.”

Ruby is also pushed for an update on Douvan and on how the news had hit the Mullins yard. “I think we just gloss over the bad news in our place – let the bad news sort itself out over time.”

Footpad warms the afternoon in the Grade 1 Racing Post Chase. “He was spectacular. Gears, pace,” Ruby can’t wait to get back on him, the owners retain Daryl Jacob in Britain, but he has no chance of getting on this lad. Paul Townend reports to Tracy “Riding a good two-mile chaser, going that gallop, jumping as this lad does, there’s no better feeling.”

In the post-race interview, Tracy asks also Willie on a Douvan update. “He’s sound at the moment. We’ll decide after the holidays.”

Is there hope for the big D to be back in action before the end of the season? Ruby and Ted play it down. “If you give anything box rest it can come sound.” Ted chipped in “I would be dumbfounded if he appears back for Cheltenham.”

The banter between Hugh, Ruby and Ted continued all afternoon. “Robert never told me to bring the woolly coat today,” Hugh is feeling the pinch. Ted has no sympathy, “You melt easy, soft.” Ruby’s in the chilly section too – “Ah, the good old days, when men were men!” There must be fun in the Walsh house when they all come together!

Tisamystery’s win gives cause for more comparisons. Ted identifies his owner John Byrne, whose father owned a good horse with Paddy Sleator in Another Flash. He sponsored the Haversnack Race at Tralee. “I won it,” says Ruby. “I won one too,” Ted counters.

It’s all’s square in the Walsh household at the end of day one. And Hugh gets the thumbs up too. “How did I do? Marks out of 10 on my first day?” It’s an 11/10 and a handshake from Ted. “It’s a pleasure to be with you!” We’ll leave it there so.