DAVY ‘HIT HIS HORSE WITH FIST’

THE Irish Turf Club has launched an investigation into an incident where jockey Davy Russell appeared to punch his mount Kings Dolly on the head before a race at Tramore on Friday. TV footage appears to show Russell striking the horse on the top of its head with his fist after it galloped too quickly at the ‘show’ obstacle before coming to an abrupt halt. Unaware of the incident on raceday, stewards took no action but Turf Club chief executive Denis Egan said: ‘It is being fully investigated. We will examine whatever footage is available and decide whether any rules have been broken.’ Trainer Karl Burke landed a one-two in the Prix Morny at Deauville as Unfortunately (Tony Piccone) beat Havana Grey (Paddy McDonald) by a length and a quarter. Roger Varian-trained Ajman Princess made all under Andrea Atzeni to win the other Group One race on the Deauville card, the Prix Jean Romanet.