Hi °C | Lo °C 
Bookmakers are anticipating an epic duel for the National Hunt riders' championship this season.
Red-hot Ruby Walsh, who rode seven winners over the weekend at Cheltenham and Navan, has battled to within striking distance of reigning champion Davy Russell.
Fresh from a treble at Cheltenham on Saturday, Walsh rode a brilliant four-timer at Navan, including an all-the-way success in the Grade One Navan Hurdle on Pont Alexandre.
In contrast, Russell endured wretched luck, hitting the ground in three successive races on Sunday.
Walsh is 11-10 from 5-4 to win the title for the seventh time, with Russell easing to 4-6 favourite from 4-7.
Joseph Burke of Stan James said: "Following Ruby's magnificent four-timer at Navan, he has cut the gap between himself and Davy Russell to just five winners.
"He is riding like a man determined to wrest his title back, having not won it now for a couple of seasons.
"After a fantastic battle for the Flat jockeys' title this season, it appears we can now look forward to a tremendous battle for the N.H. championship well."
Press Association
