Another 'National' Success for Russell

Champion jockey Davy Russell returned from a five week break on the second day of the two-day Roscommon meeting on Tuesday lasr and it was business as usual as he partnered Kaiser Black to victory in the extended three mile Connacht National, to add to his victory in the Aintree Grand National gained earlier in the year.

Shouldering a 15lb hike in the weights for winning the Mayo National on his previous outing, the seven-year-old still had the confidence of punters who sent him off a 7/2 favourite in what looked a competitive affair. Russell bided his time on Kaiser Black until moving him into contention with three fences left to negotiate. Taking over at the second last, the combination drew steadily clear to win by a comfortable four lengths from Master Appeal.

The manner of this victory sent seasoned observers scurrying for their notebooks to pencil in the winner as alive contender for the Galway Plate. Connections however, poured cold water on this idea when it was revealed that Kaiser Black would be kept to flat tracks. He is a big raw individual that is improving with every outing and it will be interesting to see how he is placed from here.

 

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