Jockey Davy Russell, who received bruising to his face following a fall at Navan last weekend, gained his first win since Solwhit's Grade 1 Hurdle win at Punchestown on November 15 when partnering Swift Counsel to a fortunate win in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Thurles today.

In today's race, an under pressure Swift Counsel had just moved upsides leader Apt Approach (13/8f) at the final fence but a last fence blunder from Apt Approach, which appeared to be traveling well at the time, effectively presented Swift Counsel the race.

Afterwards Swift Counsel's trainer Co Cork based John O'Callaghan reported “I was worried about the ground coming here but he seemed to handle it and may run again at Limerick over Christmas. He had some nice run over hurdles and we gave him plenty of time to develop into himself.”