Davy Russell continued his irresistible winning spree when making a very rare visit to Kempton on Monday.

The stylish jockey had fashioned a Navan treble for his main employer Gigginstown Stud on Sunday, including on the exciting prospect Don Cossack, and his only ride here was aboard Knockfierna in the Listed OLBG Mares' Hurdle.

Trainer Charles Byrnes felt he had spotted a loophole in the programme book across the Irish Sea as this multiple Graded winner of both novice hurdles and chases was well treated on her return to smaller obstacles after a couple of slightly perplexing outings over fences.

Russell bustled along Knockfierna (11-4) from a long way out but received the response he wanted and she came two and a half lengths clear of Miss Milborne after the final flight. While Russell recalled winning a race at the Sunbury track a few years ago for Emma Lavelle, it was Limerick-based Byrnes' first Kempton runner.

Byrnes said: "The conditions of the race appealed because she's a fair hurdler back in Ireland, but she wasn't penalised for this. Apart from Quevega, she'd be as good as any other mare and if there was a chance she could get in the first half dozen at Cheltenham (in the mares' hurdle), you'd have to consider it.

"The clerk of the course says there is a race back here on December 27 and we'll have a look at that. I wouldn't rule out another run over fences, maybe in the spring."

Nicky Henderson has been forced to endure some knocks over recent days and his woes continued when 1-5 favourite Snake Eyes was beaten in front of watching owner JP McManus in the Halcyon Gallery British Stallion Studs EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle.

This race was taken by no lesser stablemates than Bobs Worth and Darlan in the last two years so Snake Eyes may yet take high rank. He looked a smart recruit when cruising past Minella Definitely and into the lead at the final flight. However, Daryl Jacob refused to let him have it easy and got the 20-1 shot back in front and a neck ahead.

Winning trainer Neil Mulholland said: "To be fair, I possibly thought he could be second today as Daryl thought the horse hurt himself at Chepstow last time and looked after him. I showed him to the owner last Friday and he looked a different horse."

Henderson said of Snake Eyes: "Obviously it is soft ground and he did everything right up until the last. As JP said, 'He's still a maiden for another day'."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests