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Dermot Weld will keep faith with Davy Russell

Davy Russell lost the ride on Lord Windermere
Davy Russell lost the ride on Lord Windermere

Dermot Weld will pledge his allegiances to Davy Russell if both the jockey and Windsor Park appear at the Punchestown Festival.

Windsor Park was a superb winner of the Neptune at Cheltenham earlier this month, and might again test his powers at the top level at the big five-day fixture at the County Kildare circuit.

The six-year-old gelding could, however, swerve Punchestown altogether and be preserved for a run on the Flat ahead of a possible assault at the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Russell's situation is also not straightforward after the rider suffered a broken arm at Gowran on Saturday.

Hopes are high he will return to action in time for Punchestown, but a difficult weekend for the jockey saw him lose the ride on last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Lord Windermere, reportedly at the request of trainer Jim Culloty.

Windsor Park is, like Lord Windermere, owned by Dr Ronan Lambe, but his trainer is adamant Russell will continue his association with the horse over jumps.

Weld told the Irish Times: "No decision has been taken on where the horse will appear next.

"There are two possibilities - he could run in one of the two Grade One novice events at Punchestown, in which case Davy Russell will ride if he is available, or there's every possibility he could run in a conditions race on the Flat.

"A decision will be taken closer to the time.

"I was glad to see Davy Russell's horrendous fall at Gowran isn't as bad as first feared and, thank God, his leg isn't broken. There seems to be every possibility he will make Punchestown.

"Should that be the case, and should Windsor Park run at Punchestown, then Davy Russell will most definitely be riding him."

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