Russell seeking French success on The Quads
Youghal-born Russell is no stranger to success on French soil as he partnered Montifau to victory for Ferdy Murphy's daughter Caroline and her fiancee Guy Petit in an amateur riders chase at Clairefontaine in Normandy over the August bank holiday weekend.
The Quads meanwhile won the Sporting Index Shield Account (Cross-Country) Handicap Chase at Cheltenham with Russell on December 13 before disappointing when pulling-up at the 18th fence behind Mini Sensation in the Welsh Grand National a fortnight later.
“The Quads is in good order,” reported Murphy last night. “This is an ideal race for him. He will hopefully run in the La Touche and the Velka Pardubicha later on in the year whilst there is also another contest for him at Pau in May.”
In addition, The Quads, who was formerly trained by Arthur Moore, will be accompanied on his French sojourn by stablemate High Cheviot, a juvenile winner for Mark Johnson. Now a six-year-old, High Cheviot has a choice of engagements over flights on Sunday .
Meanwhile, Irishman Jamie Spencer, riding on a short-term contract in Hong Kong, reached the six-winner mark for the season when notching a double at Happy Valley yesterday.
The rider struck first on Yacht Master in the Ruby Handicap and continued the good work aboard New Planet in the Emerald Handicap, in which his mount dead-heated with High Sky.
Sean Woods, in his first season training in Hong Kong after moving from Newmarket, is faring well and Classic Choice took his tally of winners for the campaign to 14.
University College Dublin, in conjunction with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), has announced details of its fourth Horseracing Course, which starts in the Spring term.
The course, which runs for ten weeks, covers every aspect of the racing industry, including the role of Trainers, Owners, Breeders, Jockeys, the Turf Club, Horse Racing Ireland, AIR, Racecourse Management, Betting, the Equine Centre, as well as the Racing Press and Media.
The course, which has been very successful to date, features over 35 high profile lecturers from all areas of the Irish Racing Industry. Previous courses have attracted an average 130 students each term.
It will run from February 3 to April 14 on Monday evenings, 7.30 - 9.30 at Belfield.
It costs 120 for ten weeks and includes a day at races, with free admission ticket, free bet and race card as well as a visit to the world famous Coolmore Stud, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.
To book a place on the course contact: UCD-Adult Education Office. Tel: 01-716 7000 or e-mail: adult.education@ucd.ie. Website:www.ucd.ie/~adulted.
