The Black Russian back in top form

Course winner The Black Russian won his first race since a beginners chase victory at the venue two years ago, when triumphant in the featured John Mulhern Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Now a ten-year-old, The Black Russian has given connections plenty of fun over the years with his go from the front attacking style of racing, and it was more of the same from the One Cool Cat gelding on this occasion.

Not unsupported at 7/1 (from 8s), the Fergus Hanley owned and trained The Black Russian was asked to extend away from his rivals from before the last, which he did, keeping on strongly to account for Runyon Rattler by seven lengths.

"The plan worked and Rachael gave him a dinger of a ride. I knew he would go on soft ground but I was a bit worried when heavy was in the description," revealed Hanley.

"He probably doesn't have the pace for two miles on good ground at his age. He has five won now so we are happy enough with him.

"He should have won his last two but you couldn't blame Stephen (Gray) either. Things just didn't work out, he jumped off to make it the last day at Kilbeggan but met every bit of traffic. He couldn't get out coming to the second last that day.

"He might go to Sligo for a chase if it's not too heavy. It doesn't look like it's going to dry out. I just wouldn't like real winter ground with him. I'd stay over hurdles with him but there is nothing really for him. He doesn't run left-handed so that rules out a lot.

"My dad (Eddie) died five weeks ago so it's nice to get this."

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Black Label (GB) trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled or jumped throughout this race.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Black Label (GB), trained by Adrian McGuinness, at the request of the Stewards.

She had no finding to report other than a report to her from the trainer that the animal was found to have blood and mucus on endoscopic examination post race. .

(DM & EM)