Russell pounces on Knock
Davy Russell produced a perfectly-timed challenge on Knockfierna (6-1) to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse.
The Charles Brynes-trained six-year-old lined up for the Grade Two contest on the back of a three-race winning streak and extended it to four at the main expense of Golden Sunbird.
Tony McCoy appeared to have ridden his rivals to sleep on Golden Sunbird, stretching clear turning for home.
But, as he does so often, Russell stalked his prey before challenging after the last for a one-and-a-half-length win.
Our Girl Salley was sent off favourite but after travelling strongly into contention she weakened out of things on ground quicker than she has encountered before.
Byrnes said: ``She's obviously very good. She tied up badly at Limerick last time but her previous run at Cork was much better and based on that we were hopeful today.
“It was a very competitive race today, and we’re delighted to win. It’s unlikely she’ll go to Punchestown, and we’ll send her over fences next season.”
