RUBY WALSH RODE his 49th Cheltenham winner when he piloted Yorkhill to victory in the opening Grade One Neptune Novices’ Hurdle on the second day of the 2016 festival.

The 11/4 second favourite stayed out of trouble as Yanworth — who led the market at 5/4 — was pushed wide coming towards the last two fences and Walsh’s mount had far too much in hand coming home.

The win means Willie Mullins and Walsh have combined to win four of the opening five Grade Ones at this year’s Prestbury Park renewal.

Blaklion on his way to RSA victory. David Davies / PA Wire/Press Association Images David Davies / PA Wire/Press Association Images / PA Wire/Press Association Images

There was something of a shock in the second race of the day as Blaklion was the 8/1 winner of the RSA Chase.

The race was expected to be dominated by More of That and No More Heroes. However, it was Shaneshill and Blaklion under Ryan Hatch left to battle it out up the hill with the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained horse taking the win.

• Sprinter Sacre wins the Queen Mother Champion Chase

Davy Russell took the day’s opening handicap when 12/1 shot Diamond King came home first of 27 in the Coral Cup while Any Currency (11/1) and Diego Du Charmil (13/2) took home the Cross Country Chase and Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle respectively.

The final race of the day, the Grade One Weatherby’s Champion Bumper, was won by 5/1 second favourite Ballyandy in a favourite with 25/1 shot Battleford.

1.30 – Neptune Novices’ Hurdle
1. Yorkhill 5/4
2. Yanworth 5/4
3. Itsafreebee 33/1

2.10 – RSA Chase
1. Blaklion 8/1
2. Shaneshill 16/1
3. More Of That 6/4f

2.50 – Coral Cup
1. Diamond King 12/1
2. Long House Hall 16/1
3. Ubak 28/1
4. Blazer 8/1
5. Baoulet Delaroque 11/1

3.30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase
1. Sprinter Sacre 5/1
2. Un De Sceaux 4/6f
3. Special Tiara 16/1

4.10 - Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
1. Any Currency 11/1
2. Josies Orders 15/8f
3. Bless The Wings 33/1

4.50 – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
1.  Diego du Charmil 13/2
2. Romain De Senam 20/1
3. Coo Star Sivola 16/1
4. Missy Tata 10/1

5.30 – Weatherby’s Champion Bumper
1. Ballyandy 5/1
2. Battleford 25/1
3. Bacardys 16/1

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