Ruby Walsh: I’m hoping Max proves dynamite in today’s Galway Hurdle

Galway 2.15pm

It was another difficult choice to pick Townshend over Rathvinden. When I decided yesterday morning we didn’t know how much rain was going to fall.

The ground was good yesterday, today it’s yielding. So far. That will help Paul Townend’s mount Rathvinden get a lot closer to my lad and Jessica Harrington’s runner, Don’t Touch It.

Peregrine Run is a really good horse too and has won twice since he was beaten by Townshend at Roscommon. It’s a very competitive race.

When I had to decide, I thought Townshend had the better chance. However, I wouldn’t put anyone off Rathvinden if the rain keeps falling.

Galway 4pm

Lac Kivu was really strong when winning at Punchestown, seems in good form and we’re hopeful of a big run.

The second that day, Cinema De Quartier, went on to easily win a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan – but was last of six to Housesofparliament at Galway on Tuesday. It makes it harder to get a handle on good Lac Kivu’s performance was at Punchestown.

Of the others, Bhutan won well but jumped moderately at Tipperary last Sunday while Robin Des Foret and Dorans River have been clashing all season. It’s All Guesswork bolted in at Bellewstown and while Oakly disappointed at Roscommon behind Robin Des Foret last month – he was a good winner of a maiden hurdle at that course before that.

Galway Hurdle 4.35pm

I would have loved if the 9mm of rain hadn’t fallen at Galway overnight – but it did, so there’s nothing we can do about it now. I’m looking forward to riding Max Dynamite and he has a great chance.

While he hasn’t run in 13 months, he’s in good form at home, and finished second to Quick Jack in the 2015 Galway Hurdle.

It was a close call between Max Dynamite and Airlie Beach. She won the Grade One Royal Bond Novices Hurdle last season, is a previous course winner and will carry the same weight as Max Dynamite. The more rain that falls, the better her chance.

Of Willie Mullins’ other runners, both last year’s victor Clondaw Warrior and Ivan Grozny could be too high in the handicap, to get their heads in front today.

Owner JP McManus looks to have a strong hand here again with six runners, and Barry Geraghty has opted for Tigris River.

Of the others, Noel Meade’s Joey Sasa – who won his bumper here last season – has good form in a couple of graded races and looks a fair each-way price.

Galway 6pm

The Emmet Mullins-trained Peacocks Secret is trying to gain a first win in four attempts in bumpers and Patrick Mullins rides him. However, All Good Things ridden by my sister, Katie, could run well.