Cross-country goes way of Rivage D'Or

Updated: Wednesday, 11 Mar 2015 18:31 | Comments Davy Russell clears the last on Rivage D'Or

Davy Russell steered Rivage D'Or to victory over the cross-country fences at Cheltenham in an incident-packed Glenfarclas Handicap Chase.

The former Irish champion jockey is no stranger to success over the banks at Prestbury Park and was content to bide his time faced with the marathon distance of almost four miles.

Rivage D'Or slowly crept into the race and avoided a nasty spill before the home turn as French challenger and favourite Toutancarmont went left and took out Quantitativeeasing, with both crashing through the rails.

Russell guided Tony Martin's charge over the final obstacle and he galloped all the way to the line to score by two and a quarter lengths.

Any Currency, narrowly denied in this race a year ago, had to make do with the runner-up spot once again.

Willie Mullins-trained pair Uncle Junior, aged 14, and Dogora, were third and fourth respectively.

Russell said: "I enjoyed that immensely. The horse was brilliant.He (Martin) is a dangerous man around here."

Martin was quick to highlight the role Russell played in the victory. He said: "Davy's a natural horseman and was the right man for the job.

"Throughout the race we were always happy, it was just a matter of being patient and waiting."

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Cross-country goes way of Rivage D'Or