Russell on top of the World

Rule The World and Davy Russell
(Healy Racing Photos)

The Mouse Morris-trained gelding settled in behind the leaders as Clash Of Kings opened up an wide-margin advantage in the two-and-a-half mile contest.

The front-runner came back to the pack four from home and Dushybeag took over at the third last.

Russell tracked that rival through and asked his mount to hit the front two from home.

He asserted going to the final flight to post a four-and-a-quarter length victory.

2010 Hennessy winner Joncol stayed on in the closing stages for the runner-up spot.

Rule The World was making it three wins from four starts having just lost out in a thriller at Cork last time won by Our Vinnie.

"He was workmanlike but Davy was happy with him which is the main thing," said Morris afterwards.

"He'd appreciate better ground but what can you do at the moment. There was an older/stronger horse in second there."

The winner is now 16/1 (from 20/1) for the Albert Bartlett Hurdle at Cheltenham with Stan James and 25 (unchanged) for the Neptune Hurdle.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)