'He's growing up every day' - Russell rides first Grade 1 since shock return as Potter powers home

It was for days like these that Davy Russell came back and, more pertinently, for horses like this one.

When a retired 43-year-old was mulling over whether to make a comeback or not following the unfortunate injury to Jack Kennedy last month, there were two words ringing in his ears – Mighty Potter.

Not only does Mighty Potter look like the real deal, he is turning into it. The drop-dead gorgeous six-year-old is now 5-4 with most firms for the Turners Novices' Chase at Cheltenham, and Gordon Elliott thinks the race is tailor-made for him.

"The Turners is definitely where he's going," said Elliott, before adding: "Hopefully Jack will be back to ride him. If he isn't Davy will be there, but we're hoping Jack will be back."

Russell, riding his first Grade 1 winner since his return, proved the most able of deputies for Kennedy on this occasion, although he didn't have to get too animated after the last as Mighty Potter sauntered clear for an eight-and-a-half-length victory. It was very easy on the eye.

"I thought we were done with all these big races," beamed Russell . "This is what it's all about. It's great."

Russell, who dedicated the victory to his father-in-law Donie O'Meara after his death last week and hailed him a "great man" added: "Mighty Potter is learning an awful lot. He is growing up every day, just getting better and better. He jumped so well so I was happy to go on after jumping the second-last. There are only so many times you can disappoint a horse when he is travelling that easily."

Russell kicked for home after the second-last and with that it was race over. Adamantly Chosen did best of the five Willie Mullins-trained runners, despite the market suggesting he would do worst.

Mighty Potter and Davy Russell on their way to victory in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Novice Chase at LeopardstownCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

National Hunt Chase favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil was third after making much of the running, while the big disappointment of the race was undoubtedly James Du Berlais, who trailed in last of the six after a sloppy round of jumping.

This was all about Mighty Potter, and Elliott now has the favourite for the Turners and the Brown Advisory after Gerri Colombe landed the Scilly Isles at Sandown on Saturday.

The winning trainer said of the pair: "Mighty Potter is probably a quicker horse than Gerri Colombe, but Gerri's not bad either. I thought he was brilliant at Sandown. He's like a child's pony at home – he's so laid-back. He was foot-perfect, except for one, and he'll go straight for the Brown Advisory. The race is made for him.

"We've got a few nice novice chasers and Mighty Potter is settling better now. I love that from the last to the line he drops his head and gallops.

"Jack was full of confidence after last time. We watched the race together and he was happy that Davy let him roll on when he did."

He certainly does gallop, and it will take a very good one to beat him in the Turners.

Turners Novices Chase (Cheltenham, March 16)
Coral: 6-4 Mighty Potter, 5 Appreciate It, Banbridge, 7 El Fabiolo, 8 Sir Gerhard, 10 James Du Berlais, Journey With Me, Stage Star, 16 bar

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