Shrapnel the highlight of Russell treble

Champion-jockey Davy Russell completed a treble for Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud on Very Wood, Band Of Blood and Shrapnel in Galway yesterday.

Shrapnel, winner of his maiden hurdle on this card last year, landed the featured, Grade 3 Faber Audiovisuals Ballybrit Novice Chase with a fine display of jumping to beat Clar Na Mionn and follow his recent fencing debut win in Fairyhouse.

Having jumped to the front five from home, the Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old was in command starting the gruelling uphill run-in but idled in front before scoring by two and a half lengths, prompting Russell to comment: “His jumping was the difference. It was a long was up the hill but he won well.”