Windermere set for change of tactics

Davy Russell has revealed that he is considering changing the tactics that proved so successful on board Lord Windermere in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, when the Jim Culloty-trained gelding takes his place in the Hennessy Gold Cup on Sunday.

Russell will wait to see what sort of pace is in the race before deciding but is thinking about tweaking his approach in the wake of a disappointing finish to the Lexus Chase at Christmas.

Significantly, the Youghal pilot doesn’t view the Hennessy Gold Cup as a prep race but has warned that he will not “empty the tank” ahead of Lord Windermere’s bid to retain his chasing title.