Double for Davy as Disco delivers

Davy Russell completed a quick-fire double in the Tipperary Water Hurdle as he partnered the Gordon Elliott trained gelding Discoteca to an impressive seven and a half lengths victory.

Having won twice on the level from seven starts in the UK for Andrew Balding, the son of Nayef was purchased at the Tattersalls Horses-in-Training Sale in October of last year for 44,000 Guineas.

He finished second on his first start for Elliott and his first start over hurdles at Leopardstown at Christmas behind Chill before putting in ordinary efforts in Graded company at Punchestown and Fairyhouse respectively.

He reverted back to maiden hurdle company last time out and he obliged at Cork when sent off the 7/4 favourite.

His win at Cork was his first effort on good ground over hurdles and he seemed to enjoy the dry (good to firm, good in places) conditions again today as he hit the front after the second last and kicked on approaching the straight.

He stayed on strongly from there to record an easy seven and a half lengths win at 15/8. Darroun & Face Value disputed the lead for much of the race but they had no answer to the winners turn of foot and had their own private battle for second with Darroun just taking the runner-up spot by a neck under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins at the odds of 4/6 favourite.

Winning rider Davy Russell said afterwards: "He was good and jumped exceptionally well.

"The better ground was a help and obviously the favourite (Darroun) didn’t handle the track.

"My horse is progressive and he is a nice horse to have around at this time of the year."

Russell now moves on to the seven winners mark for the new season four behind leader Ruby Walsh on eleven.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott moves into a clear second in the Trainers Championship on six winners ten behind leader Willie Mullins.

After the race Ruby Walsh reported to the Stewards that his mount, Darroun, would be better over a longer trip.

Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes