RACING:The Paparrazi Kid ended a sequence of second placings by taking the 2m3f maiden hurdle in convincing fashion at Limerick yesterday to complete a quick double for Ruby Walsh, who had earlier scored on the Colin McBratney-trained Toye Native .
The 4 to 9 favourite was never far from the pace and took control in the straight, drawing clear on the run-in to beat Davy From Milan by nine lengths. There was a further gap of 11 lengths back to Golden Plan as testing conditions took its toll on many of the 14-runner field. Winning trainer Willie Mullins said: “I’m glad he’s got his win after hitting the crossbar. He’s able to handle the ground and jumped well enough out of it.
“He’ll handle spring ground as well and will go for a winners-of-one before looking at Fairyhouse and Punchestown.”
Walsh is now on the 72-winner mark , just six behind Davy Russell who was serving a one-day suspension yesterday.
Immediate Response made a successful debut over fences in the 2m1f beginners chase. The 8 to 11 favourite put in a fine round of jumping under Patrick Mullins to complete a double for his father, Willie.
The winner is owned by Kates Monkeys Syndicate, a group of the jockey’s friends from his student days.
