Ruby Walsh claimed his third victory on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon on board Faugheen in the Champion Hurdle.
Being a part of the Willie Mullins yard, Walsh had been given the opportunity to ride Hurricane Fly, but the 35-year-old eventually opted for Faugheen.
It proved to be the correct decision and despite having struggled to clear the second from last fence, the seven-year-old powered away from the rest of the field in the closing stages to ease across the line.
"It was a massive decision not to race Hurricane Fly. [Faughen] is a wonderful horse. It was awkward at the second last, but it didn't matter. He's not slow," Walsh told Channel 4.
Earlier today, Walsh also rode both Douvan and Un De Sceaux to victory.
In the Hurdle, Arctic Fire and Hurricane Fly made up the places, which made it a 1-2-3 for trainer Mullins.
