Russell rules on Kings Orchard
The nine-year-old, formerly trained by Noel Meade, was recording his second success of the season at the Co Westmeath venue, being driven clear by Russell after the second last fence to beat Lary Boy convincingly, with favourite Karlo coming from an impossible position at the back of the field to take third spot.
A versatile performer, suited by fast ground, Kings Orchard will campaign on the festival circuit over the coming months.
Earlier, favourite-backers breathed a sigh of relief, tinged with disbelief, when Pharviva, trained by Michael Halford and ridden by Robert Power, won the Carroll Cuisine Premium Ham Beginners Chase at the expense of long shot Jack Monday.
The Noel Meade-trained Rolling Home (3/1 – 9/4) had swept into a clear lead after the second last, displaying a commendable burst of speed, and had the race at his mercy turning for home only to crash at the final fence, leaving Pharviva to gain a hollow victory.
Champion-jockey Ruby Walsh notched an early double on Caherme and Cunninghams Folly, stretching his early lead over Denis O’Regan at the top of the table for the new season.
Walsh, on well-backed Caherme, trained by Michael O’Brien, pounced on the run-in to deny Forever Free in the opening William Glynn Memorial Maiden Hurdle, after the runner-up clouted the final flight when apparently holding the favourite.
Davy Russell’s mount lost his momentum allowing Caherme seize the opportunity.
Walsh also left it late to deliver his challenge on the Martin Brassil-trained Cunningham’s Folly in the Carroll Cuisine Real Food Handicap Hurdle, swooping late to Thwart Spare Change.
Claimer Mark Watts was seen at his persuasive best when getting Tony Mullins’ Stadium Project home winner of the T & V Novice Hurdle from Scrum Half after Ruby Walsh’s Mount The Under Achiever had flattered to deceive.
And Paul Flynn, who has endured a pretty lean time since returning home from his stint in England with Philip Hobbs, enjoyed a welcome success when winning the Carroll Cuisine Real Soup Handicap Hurdle on 20/1 shot Air Of Confusion, owned and trained by Iggy Madden.
