Gold Cup boost for Taaffe and Russell

TRAINER Tom Taaffe and jockey Davy Russell, who will have their attention focussed on today’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, were both on the mark in yesterday’s St. Patrick’s Day action at Wexford.

Russell, who will partner Pizarro in the Cheltenham show-piece, used enterprising tactics to bring favourite Esti Ab home a clear-cut winner of the opening Rosslare Maiden Hurdle. He made every yard of the running to record a 12 length victory for Co. Clare trainer Malachy Hassett.

Later the Tom Taaffe-trained Native Heights opened his account over fences when gaining a narrow victory in the Bettyville Park Beginners Chase.