Punters note Russell's only ride

Punters latched on to Davy Russell’s sole ride at Killarney this evening as they backed Catcherinscratcher from 11/2 to 7/2 and the mare obliged in the Christy McSweeney Memorial Novice Chase at Killarney.

The in-form jockey had a double at the Kerry track last night and won by a length and three parts in this race.

Catcherinscratcher went on before three out, but it looked like Definite Class (3/1) and The Amarillo Kid (both seeking trebles) would provide a stern challenge as they set off in pursuit.

However, Russell’s mare kept finding more after the last fence in the two miles six contest to land the spoils for trainer Henry de Bromhead and owners Alan and Ann Potts from Definite Class.

“It was great that Alan and Ann were here and I think that was their first time at the track,” Henry de Bromhead said.

“That was a savage ride from Davy. She just stays and is a tough mare. She is better going left handed so she won’t go to Galway.

“She’s in at Tipperary on Sunday, but it’s unlikely she’ll go there. We’ll find another staying novice going left handed.” Sin Palo and Bullock Harbour were sent off 5/2 joint favourites. The former finished fourth and weakened from three out after being prominent while the latter came in last of the six runners, again having weakened from three out.

Michael Graham (on course reporting by Alan Magee)