Cheltmania rolls on as Russell and Casey lock horns in Waterford

If Cheltenham Festival previews are racing’s own niche WWE-style series, the annual Ladbrokes-backed event in the Woodlands Hotel on the outskirts of Waterford city is Wrestle Mania.

Big names, bold statements and bawdy below-the-belt hits have the packed amphitheatre in a boisterous frenzy.

For Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, The Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage, read Davy Russell, John Francome, David Casey and Katie Walsh. In total, 11 heavyweights fill the canvas, rendering MC Brian Gleeson practically superfluous. Gleeson throws the ball in and lets them at it.