Luck of the Irish on "Ruby Tuesday"

Cheltenham got off to an electric start yesterday and turned out to be a really great day for the Irish. 


Already being dubbed "Ruby Tuesday", day 1 saw Irishman Ruby Walsh win a hat-trick! Walsh upset the bookies when he won the day's main event - the Stan James Champion Hurdle - with Irish horse Hurricane Fly. He followed up this astounding victory with two more. First with Quevega and then Al Ferof. 


Its thought that Walsh's achievements have won punters £10 million in total. David Williams from betting agency Ladbrokes explained, "This time last year we were drinking champagne after all the favourites lost on the first day - now we are on bread and water".


In response to winning the Champion Hurdle, a jubilated Walsh said: "There are ups and downs, good days and bad days in racing. I've been close a few times in the Champion Hurdle - I think I've been second twice - but on paper this was the best ride I had". Congratulations to this Man of Action.