Russian doubles up for Hanley

The Black Russian ran his rivals ragged once again as he followed up success at Sligo on Tuesday by claiming the Dunbia Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan tonight.

Andrew Lynch soon had a healthy lead on the One Cool Cat gelding and kept a bit up his sleeve as he came back to the field before the second last.

Fergus Hanley's charge kept on strongly in the closing stages to post a three-and-a-quarter length success over Vinniespride

The winner had been supported at 4/1 this morning and the money continued on track from 5/2 into 2/1. Formal Bid aiming for a quick double himself after scoring at Bellewstown last night, was the 11/8 favourite but could make no impression in fourth.

Winning trainer Fergus Hanley feels The Black Russian may have won despite not being at his very best:-

“He's a nice horse. It doesn't matter if something takes him on as long as he's let rattle he is happy.

“We tried holding him up and it disappointed him. Whether or not we try it again in a better class of race where they go a good gallop I don't know.

“He's schooled over fences and could go to Galway for the novice chase or a handicap hurdle there.

“He was probably a little tired there after running on soft ground (at Sligo) and I think we can get that extra bit of buzz from him.

“He was second at the festival and probably got a shock then as he was allowed to go for the first time. He seems to have improved from that and we'll try and have a bit of fun with him.”