Johnson snaps up Russell for Hennessy hope Abragante

DAVY Russell has been booked for the plum ride on Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup second-favourite Abragante at Newbury on Saturday.

His owner David Johnson was left looking for a jockey after his retained pilot Timmy Murphy was ruled out through suspension.

Johnson then provisionally booked Paul Carberry for the David Pipe-trained six-year-old only for him to be required by Noel Meade at Newcastle.