Russell excels as Moskova completes hat-trick

DAVY Russell excelled on the Paul Nolan-trained favourite Moskova as she completed a hat-trick over fences in the Ashbourne Mares Chase at Fairyhouse yesterday.

The 6/4 favourite looked in trouble, in rear, with a mile to race. But Russell knows Robert Hennelly’s Montjeu mare well and never panics on her.

He gradually closed on the leaders from the fifth last fence, delivered his challenge at the second last and, in command at the final fence, stayed on to beat Laetitia readily by three and a half lengths.