Davy Russell winners: 6 of the best

Russell certainly earned his only Cheltenham Gold Cup success as Lord Windermere was out the back and struggling at one stage, before staying on all the way up the run in to claim a short-head verdict.

While the victory was slightly controversial as the winner got very close with runner-up On His Own, it was a fine illustration of Russell’s strength and determination to get him home.

Solwhit

Six times a Grade One winner in partnership with Russell, Solwhit proved right out of the top drawer, although the pair’s only attempt at Champion Hurdle gold ended in defeat in 2010.

Nevertheless, Aintree and Punchestown proved fine hunting grounds in 2009 and 2010.

Weapon’s Amnesty

A Grade One winner as a novice hurdler, Weapon’s Amnesty looked destined for the very top over fences after a fine first season in the chase division.

Having hit the bar on a couple of occasions at the highest level, Charles Byrnes’ runner came good on the biggest stage of all when demolishing his RSA Chase rivals by seven lengths at Cheltenham. Injury then intervened and he had just one more run before he was retired.

Envoi Allen

A potential superstar after back-to-back Festival wins in the Champion Bumper and the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.

Russell only took over when Envoi Allen embarked over obstacles, but the duo were unbeaten in four novice hurdle runs and the rider would have been aboard for his novice chase career had he not been injured.

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