Russell: ‘I’ll wear a Waterford jersey if Hurricane doesn’t fly in Champion Hurdle’
“It was sweet and meant I would keep my job for another season,’, said Russell, very much tongue-in cheek.
Weapon’s Amnesty, however, subsequently suffered a tendon injury and hasn’t been seen since. Both Russell and Gigginstown will now be going to war without, arguably, their best horse, one who would almost certainly have developed into a live Gold Cup candidate.
Weapon’s Amnesty will be back next season, representing an organisation that is a long way removed from being a one-trick pony. Gigginstown is a work in progress and, according to Russell, still in the “baby stages”. The emphasis is very much on buying future chasers.
“Essentially, they are all about horses who will make it over fences. Michael is a pure National Hunt man and loves three-mile chases and fences.”
In the absence of Weapon’s Amnesty, First Lieutenant, trained by Mouse Morris, has the potential to become the new kid on the block. He has not been seen since beating 1-4 shot Zaidpour over an inadequate two miles in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown at Christmas.
The imposing six-year-old is now primed for an assault on Wednesday’s Neptune Investment Novices’ Hurdle.
“He is nimble enough over his hurdles and I just hope to get him into a rhythm. Whatever happens at Cheltenham, this is a horse for next season and fences.”
Also on Wednesday, Russell will partner Magnanimity in the RSA Chase. “He wants good ground and is as tough as nails”, said Russell.
A couple of other Gigginstown inmates who have a life are Rivage D’or and Sir Des Champs. Dessie Hughes has pencilled in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle on Thursday for Rivage D’or.
Regarded as something of a bridle horse, he came good in style at Naas last month with a smooth performance.
He is not one for sitting on the fence and is a big Hurricane Fly fan in the Champion Hurdle.
“Solwhit can beat Punjabi,” said Russell. “People have forgotten how good a horse Solwhit is and yet Hurricane Fly makes him look like a small boy.”
What will represent a good meeting? “One winner. I am not jumping up and down about anything, but have a fighting chance.”
