Jockey, Davy Russell, with advice for Sir Des Champs in the Lexus Chase
Many a times, the rider can be a better judge of how exactly the mount needs to perform when competing against a certain set of talent. That is just what the highly capable jockey, Davy Russell, did for his ride for the Lexus Chase, Sir Des Champs.
After missing the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase to the evening’s favourite, Flemenstar, the jockey has decided that the Willie Mullins’ trained need to come at par with the victor in order to make a positive impact in the 28th
of December race.
Even the defending champion, Rubi Light, could not make much impression at Punchestown.
"The one day we were going to get beaten maybe it would have been over two and a half miles and I was happy with the way my horse performed. I was delighted with the way he jumped," said Russell.
"We're going to have to improve as the winner looks to be a bit special, so hopefully we will improve and if we do it will make for a great campaign for the Irish horses. We need to improve to Flemenstar's level now."
The Peter Casey trained, Flemenstar, has now been unbeaten in the last seven outings, beating Sir Des Champs, in the very last one.
For Robin Des Champs’ six-year-old French bay gelding the field will not be challenging only because of Flemenstar, but will include opposition like Tidal Bay trained by Paul Nicholls and the Mouse Morris trained, First Lieutenant.
Both these entries took up the places in the Hennessy Gold Cup only once the Nicky Henderson trained, Bobs Worth, had raced away with the winning glory.
The connections are not the least bit disappointed in what Sir Des Champs had to offer in his most recent trip, but a certain level of improvement is required to come at par with the impeding challenge.
Mullins said of Sir Des Champs: "My fellow ran a good, solid race, and there is a lot to look forward to. He will probably run at Christmas and I will have to chat to the owners.”
The Tingle Creek and the Hennessy winning trainer, Nicky Henderson, has not confirmed any representation yet, but it will very soon make news.
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