Russell extends title lead to nine with double
Caroline Hutchinson’s seven-year-old then survived a stewards’ inquiry, after edging to his right on the run in.
He certainly took Carrigeeen King’s ground, but only momentarily, and the stewards quite rightly took the view the result wasn’t affected and they allowed the placings to remain unaltered.
Carrigeen King ran a cracking race. He was in the first two from the start and was then sent on going to the third last by Liz Lalor.
Front Man was hard driven heading to the home turn by Russell, but answered the call to join issue at the final flight, before forging away on the level.
Said Hutchinson: “We will find a winners of one now. He’s a small little horse, but will go chasing eventually.
“Normally, I only have summer horses, so it is nice to get a winner at this time of the year.”
Russell completed a double when enjoying an armchair ride aboard Charles Byrnes’ Burren Ben in the Cashel Beginners Chase.
The Beneficial gelding was backed from 2-1 to 6-4 and never gave supporters any cause for concern.
His jumping was slick and accurate and it was all over once Russell eased him into the lead after the third last.
Commented Byrnes: “We have always thought he was a great jumper, even though he fell three times in-a-row. He will race through the summer and probably go handicapping.”
Russell now leads Ruby Walsh by 119-110. Walsh is currently serving a six-day suspension, incurred at Cheltenham, and won’t be back in action in Ireland until Gowran Park next Wednesday.
Serpentaria, a former Mark Prescott inmate, made a successful debut for Willie Mullins and over jumps with an easy victory in the Urlingford Maiden Hurdle.
Despite some indifferent technique, Davy Condon had no trouble pushing her ahead going to three out and she quickly stretched clear to score by ten lengths.
Commented Mullins: “I think we will head onto Punchestown with her now. She has a nice staying pedigree, but has a fair bit of improving to do in her jumping. She will race through the summer and could revert to the flat as well.”
Jessica Harrington continued her terrific campaign when Lukie Victor proved far too good for his rivals in the Templemore Beginners Chase.
He had this in safe keeping from early in the straight and jumping left at the last two fences made no difference, as he crossed the line five and a half lengths to the good.
“He has improved with each outing and we will find another little race for him now”, remarked Harrington.
The Clonoulty Handicap Hurdle was notable for the gamble attempted on Philip Dempsey’s Le Sparnacien.
Taken from some 12-1 to 3-1 favourite, he ran well, but failed to get to grips with Dusty Sheehy’s Brandam.
The winner was committed a long way from home by Sean Flanagan and kept pulling it out to hold the sustained effort of the market-leader.
Wicklow handler John Lennon was on the mark when Battle Axe ran away with the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase in the hands of Alain Cawley.
“He’s a genuine old horse, but that’s the first time he’s won on the track”, reported Lennon. “We will give him a run over the banks at Punchestown now.”
Tom Foley’s Lady Roberta left a mildly disappointing effort at Wexford previously solidly behind with a clear-cut success in the Bumper.
Partnered by Foley’s son, Pat, riding his second winner, Lady Roberta powered up the straight in isolation, scoring by nine lengths.
