Davy Russell is riding at the top of his game at present and his confidence was particularly in evidence as he brought up a twelve and a half to one treble on Nuvelli in the Christmas Chase.

Earlier successful on Clan Tara (who like Nuvelli is in the ownership of Gigginstown House Stud) and Made In Taipan Russell went after the clear pace-setter, Florida Express up the straight. That game front-runner looked like he might have enough done away from the last, but supporters of the successful 5/4 favourite needn't have worried, as Russell didn't have to exert maximum pressure on his mount to take over in the closing stages for a two length win.

Winning trainer, Shane Donohoe, said: "He has earned the right to go for the Knight Frank Novice Chase (a Grade One on the third day of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival). Whether he is good enough I don't know and Gigginstown also have Siegemaster for that race so we'll have to see. He is improving and thankfully he (Davy) didn't have to be hard on him today." (EM)