Birthday present for Russell

James Eclipse and Youghal By The Sea flashed past the post locked in combat in the Woods Financial Services Ltd (Ladies Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Bellewstown. It was the latter that got the verdict to send favourite backers home happy.

Lisa O'Neill sported the silks of Davy Russell's father Jerry on the 4/5 shot and he edged things but the minimum nose margin.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said: "I'm about 10 years asking him to give me a horse to train and I was only third in line to get this horse! 

"We are friends for a long time. He told me he would give me a winner some day and he did. I'm delighted to train a winner for him on his 78th birthday.

"He'll go over hurdles now, he's more of a hurdle horse and wants a trip."

The Stewards interviewed Ms L. O'Neill, rider of Youghal By The Sea, concerning her use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg 10 3. (f) by using her whip with excessive frequency and having taken her good record into account suspended her for one race day.

(MG & EM)