Thirty five minutes on from Grade 2 success with Wounded Warrior Noel Meade and Paul Carberry doubled their Naas tally when Russian Bill justified favouritism in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle.

The Leopardstown Christmas Festival bumper scorer looked like he had plenty on his plate, to bridge the gap to front-running Massini's Brook and Goulane Chosen over the closing couple of flights.

However, not surprisingly, when one considers the Leopardstown win came over two and a half, Russian Bill only went into overdrive on the run-in, in this two mile three furlong contest.

The Joseph Kirwan-owned Kalanisi gelding went on inside the final hundred yards to prevail by one and a quarter lengths and two lengths from Goulane Chosen and Massini's Brook.

Meade stated: "He's tough, jumps well and stays well. He probably wants further than that.

"I'd say we'll give him more experience in a novice before thinking about handicaps. You have to make him get there-he's that type."

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Tongie ridden by D.E. Mullins, and trained by P.A.Fahy. Evidence was heard from the trainer and rider concerned.

P.A. Fahy, trainer, stated that D.E. Mullins had previously ridden this animal at Navan and therefore was instructed to get him to settle and to finish as close as he could as he had a history of running free and dropping out.

He commented, having reviewed the recording of the race, that his charge had settled well but had jumped sharply to the right at a few of his hurdles and in the circumstances he was satisfied with the ride. He added that on the advice of the rider he would race right handed on his next outing but in the meantime he would have him checked out fully to try to establish if there was anything that was causing the hanging.

D.E. Mullins, rider, confirmed the instructions and added that his mount was keen early on but had settled when racing away from the stands. He made a mistake at the next hurdle and then jumped the following flight very high and to the right causing him to lose ground. He explained that his mount was hanging to the right, a fact that he reported, and consequently began to lose ground on the main contenders.

He was unable to switch his whip hand and on entering the straight his mount ran off the final bend but eventually straightened up when he switched his whip hand and hit him on the off hind side. In his opinion this animal needs todays trip but softer ground and a right handed track.

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Tongie was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations of the rider and trainer but requested the trainer to comply with the provisions of rule 213 (iii) should anything that might have had a bearing on the running of his charge come to his notice after the horse has left the course.

D.E. Mullins, rider of Tongie trained by P.A.Fahy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung slightly throughout.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Tongie, trained by P.A.Fahy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)