Domination for a second time at Clonmel Domination edged Davy Russell a bit closer to championship leader Paul Townend in the jump jockey's title race when justifying prohibitive odds of 1/4 in the Clonmel Hospice Support Group Maiden Hurdle. The four-year-old son of Motivator had already “won” a maiden hurdle over course and distance in February but was subsequently disqualified after a prohibitive substance was found in a sample. Russell, now eight behind (76-68) the currently sidelined Townend in the championship race, had to shake up his mount to lead after two out before ultimately beating Ninth Legion (25/1) by a comfortable two and a half lengths. Shady Pines (20/1) was a further five lengths adrift in third. Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said: “He was entitled to win on form. We won't aim too high but keep tipping away and mix it between the Flat and hurdles for the summer. I'll probably find a winners-of-one for him next.”
