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Punchestown 2024
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Russell returns at Killarney
Davy Russell
© Photo Healy Racing
Former champion jockey Davy Russell returns to action at Killarney on Thursday and he rides Tandem for Dermot Weld in the feature Killarney Grand Live Music Venue Handicap Hurdle.
Russell, who has been out of action since May after a recurrence of a previous arm injury, looks to have strong claims aboard handicap debutant Tandem, who was last seen finishing third to Snake Eyes at the Punchestown Festival.
The son of Dansili won over the course on the level back in 2012 and he is sure to have plenty of supporters here as he bids to get a second win over obstacles to his name.
Tony Martin is represented by Cassells Rock and Heartbreak City
The former will be ridden by David Casey and he went down by just three-quarters of a length on his last start at the Punchestown Festival.
Paul Carberry takes the ride on Heartbreak City, who has not been since August of 2014.
The son of Lando makes his debut in handicap company here and it will be interesting to see if the money comes for him.
Others to note in this competitive two-mile-one-furlong contest are Draco Kates Benefit Gusty Rocky Casimir Road and Ancient Sands
The opening race on the programme is the Aherns BMW Castleisland Novice Hurdle with five last-time-out winners in the line-up.
Danny Mullins has opted to ride Last Encounter for his mother Mags over Fearachain for his father Tony.
Both impressed when winning maiden hurdles at Wexford and they can be expected to go close here. Cardinal Palace won at Aintree last time out and he is sure to have plenty of supporters while Swansea Mile represents Ted and Ruby Walsh after he won at Bellewstown earlier this month.
Russell has his first ride back aboard Grecian Tiger for Dermot Weld and this son of Tiger Hill is not without his chance. He Is Top Class Artful Artist Pleased As Punch and Give Her Bach are a few for the shortlist in the Europe Hotel & Resort Handicap Hurdle while Viconte du Noyer should be able to take the Dawn Hi Lo Milk Beginners Chase. Old Castletown went off the well-backed favourite on his last start at Wexford but he was brought down.
He will bid to recoup losses now in the Dawn Run Milk Handicap Chase with Ruby Walsh again the saddle for his father Ted.
The Dawn Omega Milk Handicap Hurdle looks a wide-open affair with Medinah Gold Dashing Lady and handicap debutants Hes Our Robin and Finish In Style a few for the for shortlist. Avichi who is a half-brother to Hurricane Fly, Lady Artemis Brosna George and newcomer Exactoris are the four to focus on in the concluding Christy Lucey Transport Ltd. Flat Race.