Davy Russell stood himself down after riding Saint D’oroux (third) in the opening Guinness Novice Hurdle at Galway this afternoon. As a consequence, he misses the ride on the well-fancied Felix Desjy in the featured Guinness Galway hurdle at 6.45.

Keith Donoghue replaced Russell on Aforementioned in the third race and rides Fight For Love in the 6.15, and it was subsequently announced that Donoghue would also replace Russell in the feature race at 6.45 on Felix Desjy.

IHRB Senior Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Pugh commented: "Davy aggravated a back injury yesterday & stood himself down. He had long physio sessions yesterday & this morning but following the first race today he is still in notable discomfort & will not take up his remaining rides today."

The going description on the hurdles and bumper track was changed to yielding (from yielding to soft) after the second race.