Champion jockey Davy Russell and Co. Waterford handler Walter Power go back a long way but the pair successfully teamed up for the first time when the veteran Marshim came out best in an exciting finish to the 2m4f handicap hurdle at Tipperary.

The 12-year-old gelding and 5/2 favourite Knockanarrigan set down to battle it out in the straight, with the pair drawing clear after two out.

The ‘jolly’ seemed to have gained a vital edge when pinging the final flight but Russell showed just why he’s one of the best in the business when conjuring a strong late effort out of the 9/2 chance to score by a neck. Masterofdeception well-backed on track from 14/1 into half those odds, was a yawning 15 lengths back in third.

Russell explained afterwards, “I rode for Walter when I was starting out in point-to-points, and he was one of the few to give me rides at the time.”

Power said, “It’s our first winner together. Davy has been second a few times for me on different horses. He rode Marashim around Clonmel and Tramore, tracks he doesn’t handle. It’s great for Davy and all of us.

“He’s a sporty horse and he’s full of guts. I’ll give him a break and freshen him up.”

(TW & AM)