Russell causes cross country change The route taken by Davy Russell aboard Dix Villez when the pair were victorious at Cheltenham's November meeting has forced the racecourse into a series of measures to ensure that there will be no repeat of the confusion that ensued. Russell broke no rules when he cut inside the bushes that follow the natural line between fences on the cross country course at Cheltenham, but his actions have prompted the racecourse to alter the markings at that area of the track for future races over the course. A 'C' marker will be positioned in the area and a new running rail will also be added. Riders cannot go inside 'C' markers when making a turn and this will effectively make the Russell manouvre illegal in future. Cheltenham's clerk of the course Simon Claisse, said: "Our priorities are, of course, the safety of horses and riders but also our racegoers and the viewing public. "The use of this extra 'C' marker and running rail will ensure that the confusion caused by Davy Russell's route at our last meeting will not occur again." The next scheduled race over the course will be at the Boylesports sponsored meeting at Cheltenham starting on Friday 12th December.
