Russell cleans up at Clonmel

Davy Russell completed a clean sweep of the jump races on the card at Clonmel this evening when In A Nutshell gained an overdue win in the concluding maiden hurdle.

Charle Byrnes' charge had endured a frustrating run of placed efforts but made no mistake tonight as he got off the mark in style.

There were plenty with chances at the second last in the two-miler but Russell kicked for home before the final flight on his mount.

The 3/1 shot quickened clear on the run-in and was a cosy two-length winner, from 33/1 shot Ridayef at the line.

The winning handler was not present to welcome back his charge. It was a quick treble for Russell following the victories of Giant Sequoia in the handicap hurdle and Royal Choice in the conditions race. Askasilla Lane was withdrawn at the start with rider Paddy Flood complaining of a pain in his ribs.

Gary Carson