Russell lands treble on Hell Raise Hell gave Day Russell a treble at Thurles today when securing victory in the two-mile maiden hurdle on the card. The Willie Mullins-trained Gigginstown gelding was sent off 15/8 joint-favourite with Mr Cosmopolitan and the pair fought it out in the straight. Russell's mount had pulled his way to the front going into the back straight but was tackled at the second last by his market rival. Raise Hell found plenty to assert going to the last, however, and kept on strongly on the run-in to post a three-and-a-quarter length success. The winner had been placed on his three hurdles starts to date including chasing home a smart sort in Defy Logic at Fairyhouse earlier this month. “This horse is a full-brother to Lovethehigherlaw (won Grade 1 Punchestown bumper and later killed on gallops at home),” said Mullins afterwards. “He'd like drier ground and we'll probably keep him going over the summer. We'll go out in trip with him as he'll have no trouble staying. He's a good jumper.” Russell had also landed the feature event on Bright New Dawn and the opener on Carrig Millie. (Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
