Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
Davy Russell is to make a surprise appearance on the Flat at Dundalk on Wednesday evening. One of jump racing's biggest names will have his first taste of the all-weather in order to give the Gordon Elliot-trained Discoteca a spin ahead of a possible challenge for The Ladbroke at Ascot next weekend. Russell did compete on the Flat when riding as an amateur at the start of this century, but has been restricted to just a couple of attempts in a Flat versus National Hunt jockeys competition a couple of years ago. "I think it's his first ride, and as the horse has got 10st 8lb, he can make the weight," said Elliott. "Davy also has his arrangement with Gigginstown Stud (owners of Discoteca)." Discoteca, who used to be trained by Andrew Balding, won four minor events on the bounce during the spring but has not been seen since finishing fourth in a novice race at the Galway Festival. He tackles the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap over a mile and a half. Elliott said: "He has been off for a while, but if he shows something in this race then he'll go for The Ladbroke along with (Racing Post Hurdle third) Cause Of Causes."
