Review THURLES 21ST APR

Davy Russell was in great form at Thurles on Friday evening, partnering a treble on the card.

The well-backed Southern Command (5/1 to 7/2f) kicked off proceedings when battling gamely to get the better of Go Mall by a length in the first division of the Thurles Handicap Hurdle.

'Touch landed', joked winning trainer Liam Burke afterwards. 'He likes Thurles but couldn't handle the soft ground here last time.'

Russell notched a quick double in the second division when Madformakeup finished with a rattle to foil the gamble on Andijan (10/1 to 9/2f).

Winning trainer Tony Martin was fancied to land a quick double himself with the well-backed Millanymare (7/4f), in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase, but Martin Mooney's mount just failed by a head to peg back Markason in a thrilling finish.

Russell took over from the injured Barry Geraghty aboard Dubai Bound in the concluding Rock Of Cashel Beginners Chase and Andrew Lee's gelding proved an easy winner, skipping clear of stable-mate Exile in the closing stages to score by five-and-a-half lengths.

Geraghty had suffered cuts to his face after being unshipped by Grange Glen in the opening Devils Bit Mares Maiden Hurdle.

He was stood down for the rest of the meeting and also ruled himself out of Ayr on Saturday, where he was due to partner Take The Stand in the Scottish National.

Nellie OD claimed the contest for trainer Liam Burke and he nominated a Grade 3 mares' contest at Punchestown next Wednesday for the six-year-old.

The doctor was kept busy throughout the meeting and Robbie Moran was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured tibia after a heavy fall from Barnahely Baroness in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap.

He missed the winning ride on Lady Kate Ellen in the Horse and Jockey Beginners Chase with Paddy Flood deputising as Paul Nolan's mare beat Cupids Flyer by a length.

Davy Condon was stood down until Monday after suffering concussion when his helmet came off after a fall from Dun Drinan while Martin Ferris and Brian Byrnes also suffered slight injuries.

Michael Butler shone on Key To The Kingdom when delivering Eoin Doyle's gelding with a perfectly timed run in the Templemore Handicap Hurdle to secure a comfortable success.