Jockey Davy Russell was the toast of a share of punters at Fairyhouse today, steering the well backed Bright New Dawn (10/1 in the morning into 5/1) to overturn highly touted Ned Buntline in the opening Tote Jackpot Races 3 To 6 Maiden Hurdle.

Russell, one of the stars of the excellent bare backsides and all documentary Jump Boys on Wednesday evening, sent Bright New Dawn to the front from the start and the pair made all. On the run-in, Bright New Dawn battled well for a length and a quarter win over 8/13 favourite Ned Buntline.

The runner-up, hugely impressive on his latest bumper start and making his hurdle debut here, was unable to quicken sufficiently on the run-in and, given his reputation, disappointed slightly.

Bright New Dawn's trainer Dessie Hughes was at Newbury, where his Magnanimity runs in the Hennessy Gold Cup, but Russell did state “we always thought a lot of him (Bright New Dawn) and bowling along in front seemed to suit him. He had a lovely first run last year but got very keen after that run.”

Stan James bookmakers make Bright New Dawn a 33/1 chance for the Neptune Novice Hurdle.

Further reporting from Alan Magee