Irish ace spreads wings by joining forces with Walters

Davy Russell is to become the latest top Irish-based rider to start spending more time in Britain after leading jumps owner Dai Walters secured an agreement with the Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey.

Ireland's former champion will this season ride whenever available for Walters, whose string includes horses trained by Nicky Henderson, Nigel Twiston-Davies and Dan Skelton.

This follows Tuesday's announcement that Adrian Heskin, who worked for prominent Irish owner Barry Connell until April this year, will take over from Paddy Brennan as Tom George's main rider.