Brilliant double for Davy Russell at Mallow
Glantane jockey Denis Linehan, centre, pictured with fellow jockeys Jack Kennedy and Robbie Downey at the annual Ballyheigue Races in Kerry on New Year's Day
CORK Racecourse Mallow attracted a fine attendance to their opening meeting of 2012 on Monday, where Youghal jockey Davy Russell, the current clear leader in the jockeys championship, scored a truly memorable double on Belle Brook, 8/1 to 5/1, in the mares beginners chase, and Jack Absolute in the 2ml 4f handicap chase.
In a most amazing beginners chase, the fifth race on the card, the gambled on Belle Brook came to the last five lengths clear, but having jumped it well, suddenly lost its hind legs and crumbled on landing. Russell performed heroics in keeping the partnership intact, and got his mount going again, but was steadily reeled in by Martin Ferris on the well supported Special Token, which in a thrilling finish prevailed by a head in an eventful race.
However, a stewards inquiry was immediately called and after a lengthy deliberation the placings of the first two were reversed. It must be said that justice appeared to have been done, as it was clearly shown in the replays that there was interference in the final vital 50 yards. Michael Cullen trains the winner for the executors of the late Colm Moran.
Russell's double was completed in thrilling fashion on Jack Absolute, on which he was quite simply magnificent. Racing to the second last he was a few lengths down and destined for the minor placings, but Russell, riding like a man inspired, produced the winner on the rails, and in a driving finish prevailed by a head for Doneraile trainer John Joe Walsh and Drogheda owner John H Kierans.
Walsh was fulsome in his praise of his rider, who has seldom ridden for him, exclaiming: "Davy was brilliant on him, he gave him some ride. It was a super copy book ride in my book. My horse is a real Limerick specialist, but after today we will not be confining him to Limerick any more."
The remainder of the card was dominated by Willie Mullins, who scored a personal treble with Ruby Walsh on Final Approach and Simenon, and his son Pat scoring impressively on Perfect Gentleman, in the closing bumper.
The next meeting, at Cork Racecourse Mallow, is Student Raceday on Thursday, March 22.
- Pat Griffin
