Russell & Elliott team up with Graineyhill Davy Russell gained quick compensation for a narrow defeat in the opener when Graineyhill readily justified good support in the Lisronagh Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel. Russell was denied right on the line as his mount Moonlight Escape was beaten a short-head by Pietralunga in the previous Kilsheelan Mares Maiden Hurdle but he made no mistake here on the 4/5 shot. Available at 11/10 earlier in the day, the Craigsteel gelding showed promise on his first start for Gordon Elliott at Down Royal recently. He asserted after the penultimate flight and soon drew clear to beat Bee A Beneficiary by 14 lengths with Glen’s Dd a half-length further back in third. Breeder Pat Byrne said, “Gordon told me he had him in good form and he was right. He’s entered again at Fairyhouse next Wednesday.”
