De Benno makes all for Russell

De Benno opened his account over fences at the tender age of 12 when taking the Nire Valley Handicap Chase at Clonmel.

James Grace ’s grey gelding was nearly eight when making his belated debut but has won twice since in handicap hurdles.

The 7/1 chance made all here under Davy Russell, and dug deep on the run-in to hold off the challenge of 2/1 favourite All The Chimneys by a neck.

Maguire’s Glen was well-supported earlier in the day from 14/1 into 6/1 and again on track to go off at just 7/2.

The Liz Doyle-trained gelding kept on well on the run-in to finish just three quarters of a length further back in third.

Grace said, "Davy did the trick. It was the first time those tactics were used today and they worked.

"'It was Davy's first time riding him and we never went to the front before. In fairness to Mikey Fogarty (previous jockey) he was mad to go to the front with him but I stopped him as I thought the horse would stop in front.

"Davy is after riding three for us now and two have won so we can't complain! He'll go for something similar next as he loves that tacky, heavy ground."

(TW & AM)