MARK Walsh continues to lead the jockeys’ championship and continued his excellent recent record when steering Vent De La Cote to land a gamble for his employer J.P. McManus, in the McCarthy Insurance Group Maiden Hurdle at Cork on Saturday.

The French-bred import was backed from 6/1 in the morning and, having opened at 11/4 on track, was backed into 2/1 favourite. Walsh had few moments concern in the race, and in the end steered Vent De La Cote to an impressive eight lengths win over Investmentsuccess.