Davy Russell set to pilot O’Leary star Death Duty at Tipperary

Grade One winner makes anticipated debut over fences

Davy Russell: will partner Death Duty in a Beginners Chase at Tipperary. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Davy Russell: will partner Death Duty in a Beginners Chase at Tipperary. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Michael O'Leary's pilot-rostering for Tipperary on Tuesday is comparatively straightforward with Davy Russell teaming up with the Ryanair boss's exciting novice Death Duty for the first time.

The horse who failed to extend his winning sequence when a hot favourite for Cheltenham’s Albert Bartlett Hurdle last March makes his debut over fences in a Beginners Chase.

O'Leary's former No.1 jockey Bryan Cooper rode Death Duty at Cheltenham while Jack Kennedy was on board when the horse won his hurdles Grade One last January.

Death Duty faces an interesting Willie Mullins opponent in Cap d'Aubois but if 20-1 odds for RSA are to appear realistic then the former top-flight novice hurdler should get off the mark over fences.

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Russell is also on Roaring Bull for O’Leary in a maiden hurdle but Cooper gets the Gigginstown nod for Creation in the opener.

Caliption's experience can prove crucial for the O'Leary team in a bumper where Nina Carberry rides the Gordon Elliott newcomer, Secret Legacy.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column