Russell doubles up on Skibabe

Davy Russell completed a double on the afternoon as Skibabe ran out an impressive winner of the two and a half miles maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The 11/4 second favourite was produced full of running to take it up entering the straight, and soon settled the issue eventually going on to beat Private Story (33/1) by 13 lengths. Dominetta Vitali (5/1) was another five lengths adrift in third, while well-backed 5/2 favourite Jolly Mac Vic was a spent force early in the straight finishing fourth. Velvet Bullet was making no impression in second (at least six lengths adrift) when falling at the last.

Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said, “He ran a bit free in Listowel and he was very hot in the parade ring there. But we got him in late today and he was grand and calm.

“It didn’t look a mighty contest but a win’s a win and it’s grand to get it.”

Russell was on the mark earlier on the card aboard the Noel Meade-trained 7/4 favourite Benevolent in the two-mile maiden hurdle.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson