Davy Russell moved onto the 12 winner mark for the season when completing a 296/1 treble aboard Sparkling Gold, Singh Street and Rocking Ship on an all National Hunt card at Navan.
Sparkling Gold benefited from a step up in trip to land the three miles Navan Shopping Centre Handicap Hurdle, drawing clear on the run-in to beat Kald River by three lengths. 'It looks like he needed the trip as he doesn't have the same pace as he used to. He also liked the galloping track,' said trainer John Kiely. Brigadier Brown, backed from 5/1 down to 7/2 favourite, was no threat in the straight and was found to be lame in front post-race.
Russell followed up half an hour later on Singh Street in the College Proteins Mares Handicap Hurdle, leading three out before stretching clear to beat Seagull Eile by a convincing four and a half lengths.
The Youghal rider had to work much harder to complete his first treble on Rocking Ship in the Navan Shopping Centre Handicap Chase, just getting up in the final strides to deny the front-running Brown Sedge by a neck. 'He loves top of the ground but has taken time to get the hang of things. He's very cowardly among other horses, and Davy gave him a great ride,' said trainer Joanna Morgan.
Indeed it could have been an even better day for Russell as he also partnered 11/8 favourite Wrapitup in the College Proteins Novice Chase. However, the Michael O'Brien-trained gelding spoiled his chance by jumping out to the right, and had no extra when headed before the last by Cill Fhair.
Russell is now third behind Paul Carberry and Ruby Walsh in the jockeys' championship, and Walsh added to his tally when Major Burns made all in the two and a half miles Ladbrokes Hurdle. Willie Mullins' charge staying on best from the last to beat the odds-on Carlesimo by two lengths.
Odds-on punters also suffered a reverse in the opening Heat Merchants & Firebird Boilers Ltd. Novice Hurdle when Brutto Facie returned with a burst blood vessel after dropping away tamely in the straight. Victory here went to Oyez, who was up with the pace throughout for a comfortable length verdict over the staying on Matt The Thrasher.
'This horse must go left-handed, and ran across his hurdles at Cork last October. He will probably go to Tipperary on Thursday for another novice, and should make a nice summer horse,' said trainer Michael Hourigan.
Alan Magee
