IT’S been an opinion offered here recently that while the top jockeys get extensive praise, more often than not, they are on the best horse and in winning, often do little more than what is expected.

This was not necessarily the case last weekend. Arctic Fire and Thousand Stars may have been the best in their races but the addition of Ruby Walsh was a contributing factor in securing their victories.

That Thousand Stars was the best horse in the French Grade 1 was not disputed but it was a case of IS he still the best horse, coming off two disappointing runs. Lizzie Kelly was unlucky in that it took a power driven Walsh finish in the final furlong to beat her.

At Navan on Sunday, the Walsh tactical nous was again in play. Arctic Fire may have had the best form but on his first run since Punchestown against a superior stayer in Monksland, he could have been vulnerable.

His top form was at two miles on better ground and with a strong late burst. Walsh had to conserve his stamina yet stay close enough to Monksland.

Walsh waited until half-way up the run-in before going for all. Monksland’s mistake might have made a difference but Walsh maximised Arctic Fire’s chance.You couldn’t be sure that he might not have won anyway.