Russell completes double on O'Ceallaigh

Dual Champion Jockey Davy Russell completed a double at Gowran today when steering O'Ceallaigh to win the Live Music After Racing Handicap Hurdle, thus ending a lean spell for winning trainer Peter Fahey.

Russell set off behind the leaders but O'Ceallaigh pulled his way to the front at the third flight and from there maintained his lead for a game six and a half lengths win over Tongie

Afterwards Grade 2 winning trainer Fahey, having his first winner since October, stated “that's great but he was a long time winning his second race.

“We had decided beforehand that we would drop in but Davy said he was a bit keen and got a free run in front which ended up suiting. The same thing happened when he won his maiden hurdle.

“He's a grand horse and will be a nice horse next winter over fences. He'll tip away in handicaps until the ground gets quick.”

Russell's earlier win came on Smashing in the Red Mills Chase.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson