Russell increases lead and closes on century

Davy Russell inched closer to a century of winners and extended his lead over Ruby Walsh in the championship race to eight when Toner d’Oudairies became the defending champion’s 99th winner of the season with a comfortable win in the Follow Us On Twitter@fairyhouse Beginners Chase.

Russell rode 104 winners last season when taking the title for the first time and he sent Toner d’Oudairies, who was sent off the 5-4 favourite, to the front before the second last fence. The six year old, who was dropping in distance, went on to land the two mile one furlong contest by five lengths from Dul Ar An Ol.

Gordon Elliott, who trains the winner for Gigginstown House Stud, said: “It’s been a long time since this horse has won a race and now that he has done so we’ll keep him on the go in novice races over the summer.”