Russell steps in to land Listowel brace

Davy Russell stepped in for Andrew Lynch to complete a Listowel double on Deans Road in the John J. Galvin Handicap Chase.

Lynch was forced to miss out after taking a heavy fall earlier off Cloudybackwest in the 2.55.

Russell had landed the opener for Gordon Elliott on Penny Jane and here he took the reins on the well-backed Deans Road (4/1 favourite) for Henry de Bromhead.

The course winner had Lucky Pat and two fences to chiefly concern him up the straight.

A son of Golan, the successful chestnut wasn't great at the last but he proved strongest on the run-in for a half length win.

"I'm delighted - it's unfortunate for Andrew (Lynch, sore from an earlier fall) to miss it but Davy was an able deputy and had actually won on him before," commented de Bromhead.

"I told Mike Creed (owner) about six weeks ago that we were going to run in this race and thankfully it has worked out. 

"We're entitled to start thinking about things like the Kerry National now but I could get windy and go for the 2m4f on the Sunday - especially if Coneygree turns up!

"He likes to go left-handed which may rule out the Galway Plate but I think three miles could suit him."

The Stewards fined Mrs D.A.Love, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Lucky Pat, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

S.W. Flanagan, rider of Killiney Court trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the fouth last fence.

(TW & EM)