Jaw-dropping ‘ride of the century’ sparks punter meltdown as Ruby Walsh tips unknown jockey to be a Cheltenham sensation

THIS sensational new jockey was hailed for his ‘ride of the century’ after an amazing last-to-first thriller.

And Ruby Walsh thinks he could be a new star at Cheltenham Festival on the back of it.

Maggie Walsh got up right on the line under an amazing ride from new jockey Quirke

Cian Quirke was the man who sparked punter meltdown with his impeccably-timed ride.

He nutted racing legend and dual Grand National winner Davy Russell in a head-bobber at Fairyhouse.

Trailing at the back of the pack, it looked like Maggie Walsh was not going to justify being backed to 10-1 from 20-1 in the 2m3½f maiden hurdle.

But the Michael Bowe-trained mare showed a scintillating turn of foot to power home on the outside.

And she needed every bit of the stone-and-a-half she had in hand from Russell’s So Des Flos to win.

The official margin was a nose, with Russell and Gordon Elliott having to settle for second with the 4-9 fav, who hit the basement price of 1.01 on the Betfair exchange.

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Bowe was in rapture afterward, labelling Quirke’s skill in the saddle among the best he has ever seen.

He said: “That’s not just ride of the year, it’s ride of the century. What he did was unbelievable.

“I said to him, ‘Cian I’m giving you no instructions, you do what you feel like’.

“It’s the first time I’ve said it to him and I won’t be giving him any instructions from now on.

“It’s 90 per cent confidence and the rest of it is ability, but he has ability.

“Unfortunately he won’t keep his 7lb claim for too long the way he is going because he’s value for that 7lb.

“I take no credit for winning that race and the mare didn’t take any credit either, all the credit goes to the rider.

“I’ve always believed in her, she’s a marvellous work mare at home. Nothing can live with her in her home work but when she comes to the track she doesn’t produce what she does at home.

“Today she showed just a glimpse of what she can do. Maybe she’ll improve and maybe she won’t but she’s a nice mare to have anyway.”

Punters were just as stunned.

One wrote: “Watching this back, I still don’t understand how he’s got up.”

Another said: “I’ve got no words.”

While one comment read: “Cian the machine – he’s a joy to watch.”

Legendary jockey Walsh picked out another Quirke winner as his ride of the week just last week.

And he reckons trainers will fighting it out to land his services for one of the big handicaps at the Festival.

He said: “There’s a chance this young rider could be snapped up for the Martin Pipe.”

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