Deserved Gold not Silver for Joyce's charge

The booking of Davy Russell looked significant on Gold Not Silver and, having filled the runner-up berth on his latest two outings, the Celtic Swing gelding finally lived up to his name by scoring on his 17th career start in the Bet With The Tote Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.

The Adrian Joyce-trained five-year-old and fellow 3/1 joint favourite Court Jester fought out a terrific battle from the second last, with the latter gaining a slight advantage early on the run-in.

However Russell was not to be out-done, and his mount rallied gamely in the closing stages to just gain the day by a short-head in this two and a half mile event.

The placings were confirmed following a stewards enquiry after the two principals came close together, while long-time leader Corskeagh Royale dropped away to finish 18 lengths back in third.

Joyce said, “He’s been unlucky a bit and deserved that. I thought he’d win over two miles but he obviously needed a trip. He’s been going up a bit for being placed but hopefully he can win another one.”