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Champion jumps jockey Ruby Walsh has made a successful return to action after breaking his leg with Easy Game winning to opening race at the Galway Festival.

Ruby Walsh has made a successful return to action with Easy Game winning the Novice Hurdle, the opening event of the Galway Festival.

Out of action since breaking his leg for a second time in quick succession at the Cheltenham Festival in March, Walsh kept things simple from the front.

Sent off the 5-4 favourite, the Willie Mullins-trained four-year-old beat Count Simon by 4-1/4 lengths.

"It's a relief," Walsh said.

"I've only had a week's work in the last nine months and it's great to be back. I hope I last a bit longer than a week this time!

"I've been ready for a fortnight or three weeks and this was always the target."

"Having not ridden in a race for a while, I wasn't sure how fast I was going, never mind how strong the race was! The pressure is off now."