RACING/Bellewstown festival: The three-day Bellewstown festival gets under way tonight when Ruby Walsh will be a popular choice on Dr Torus in the conditions hurdle, writes Brian O'Connor.

It was confirmed yesterday that Walsh has reached an informal agreement with the top trainer Paul Nicholls to ride in Britain this season.

"The idea is for him to come over two or three days a week when his commitments in Ireland allow and he will have first choice whenever and wherever available," Nicholls said.

Racegoers at Bellewstown are advised to travel early due to continuing roadworks on the Drogheda by-pass. Those travelling from the south on the N1 are advised to turn left for Stamullen and follow the local signs. From the north the advice is to turn right on the Dublin Road leaving Drogheda.

It might be a good idea to take the early advice because La Motta looks to hold a reasonable shout in the opening five-furlong juvenile maiden.

Pat Cosgrave takes a valuable 5lb off the horse, who showed a lot of early speed over six furlongs behind Newfoundland at Fairyhouse.