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Davy Russell keeps up winning habit in Tramore

Davy Russell followed up his Aintree Grand National victor at Tramore
Davy Russell followed up his Aintree Grand National victor at Tramore

Davy Russell made his first ride since landing the Grand National on Tiger Roll a winning one when scoring on Decision Time at Tramore.

Congratulated by well-wishers on his way to partner the John Kiely-trained seven-year-old, Russell gave Decision Time a patient ride in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.

He brought the 13-8 favourite with a perfectly-timed run, after being held up for most of the race, to lead just before the final flight.

Beliou Le Fume put in a late bid, but Decision Time was three-quarters of a length too good at the line. Long-time leader Kiera Royale was three and a half lengths away in third.

Kiely said: "It's a thrill to be able to give Davy his first winner after yesterday. I doubted that he would turn up today, because he was dragged here and there and everywhere!

"He gave Tiger Roll a great ride. It's lovely to witness sport like this."

He added of the winner: "She is a nice mare, she would probably like better ground, but she is after winning over hurdles now, which is nice."

Russell's winning spree continued when he completed a quick double courtesy of Monatomic in the Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Family Fun Afternoon Maiden Hurdle.

From the National-winning team of owners Gigginstown House Stud and trainer Gordon Elliott, Monatomic (9-2) jumped into the lead at the second-last and looked set for a smooth success.

However, the pack closed in and in the end the five-year-old was all out to hold Kingsteel and Touch Base by a short head and the same in a driving finish.

Russell said: "I was a winner everywhere, but the line was my most worrying point.

"He just lugged out a little bit, I'd say he was watching the horse on his outside.

"It's grand to get a mark for him now, as he had been struggling."

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