Russell Impressed By Daughter Of Yeats

Davy Russell was full of praise for Mount Ida (5m Yeats - Jolivia, by Dernier Empereur) after partnering her to success in Sunday’s Mares Maiden Hurdle at Galway.

An impressive bumper winner last season, the Gordon Elliott-trained mare finished a close second on her hurdle debut in February and was sent off the joint-favourite as a result. Disputing the lead in the early stages of the two mile contest, she extended her advantage from the sixth flight and was joined by her fellow market lead from three out. Pushed clear on the run-in, she won by four lengths, with the second finishing clear of the field.

Davy Russell commented after the race, “Mount Ida was very professional. She had the experience and it made my job a lot easier. She's a nice mare, I like her and there's a campaign there for her.”

Owned by KTDA Racing, Mount Ida was bought for £70,000 after winning her point-to-point for JG Cosgrave. She was bred by Philip Hore and is a full-sister to two winners by Yeats.