Russell plays the right Game

The Listed four-runner Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle at Thurles yesterday developed into a real battle of tactics and it was Davy Russell on Willie Mullins’ Midnight Game who got it spot-on.

Arnaud took them along at a sedate pace and Russell was always perfectly poised to strike, just in behind.

The champion jockey made his move over the third last and got first run on market rival, Joxer, rather surprisingly held up, considering he was in receipt of 10lbs from the winner.