Cheltenham Festival 2019: Any Second Now lands the Kim Muir for Ted Walsh
The JP McManus-owned seven-year-old stayed on best to win under Derek O'Connor
TED WALSH struck at the Festival with Any Second Now in the Kim Muir.
The seven-year-old was well-backed and ran out a convincing winner under Derek O'Connor.
The seven-year-old had yet to win a race over fences before, but he had some of the strongest form in the book.
He was quietly ridden by O'Connor, who always looked confident as he produced him to challenge after the last.
Gallant grey Kilfilum Cross (13-2) went down fighting, but it was Any Second Now (6-1) who came out on top.
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Walsh said: "He jumped and travelled and did it nicely. Derek gave him a great ride and lads like him and Jamie (Codd) and Patrick (Mullins) are worth 5lb or 7lb.
"The horse is what he is - a 144 horse - but he might end up in a National or something.
"I got a great kick out of all Ruby's winners here and Katie's as well. I appreciate how hard it is to train a winner here and I never take it for granted. It's terrific."