Russell completes 99/1 treble at Thurles

Davy Russell completed a near 99/1 treble at Thurles as Mr Eko recorded a surprise victory in the Templemore Handicap Chase.

The Tim Doyle-trained 14/1 chance was bridging a gap of over three years since his last visit to the winners' enclosure but put that right in no uncertain manner.

The 11-year-old gelding asserted after two out and threw a mighty leap at the final fence before going on to beat Mezendore by 12 lengths. Refused A Name was a further three lengths back in third, while 11/10 favourite Hard Bought faded after a number of mistakes to finish a well-beaten sixth.

Russell earlier successfully deputised for Jonathan Burke aboard Smashing in the featured Listed race, and was also on the mark on Montys Meadow

Doyle said, "He broke down before last season and was then a little sluggish last year. When he ran at Naas recently he launched at the second fence and Davy then minded him to help him regain his confidence but he was back to what he can do today.

"He's nicely handicapped over hurdles so that is also an option and when he tells us he's ready, we'll go again.

"He's been a great horse and is owned by William Gleeson who turned 91 recently."

(TW & AM)