Russell sits tight as Daylight Katie overcomes errors

Daylight Katie was made to work a lot harder in the Grade 3 Lough Construction Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle at Down Royal than she had been on her hurdles debut at Fairyhouse three weeks earlier.

In justifying 1-3 favouritism under Davy Russell, she overcame a bad mistake early in the race, and then a near disastrous blunder three out which almost pitched Russell out over the mare's head.

It was a fine recovery from the former champion, and once the mare was back on an even keel, she jumped the final two flights well, something she had to do to hold off the persistent challenge of runner-up Jeremys Flame by a length and a quarter.