Lizzie Kelly FESTIVAL-WINNING JOCKEY

WHEN jockey Davy Russell agreed to return to the saddle shortly after he had retired — to help out trainer Gordon Elliott, whose No 1 Jack Kennedy had broken a leg — the horse he said did most to persuade him to come back was MIGHTY POTTER (1.30).

The six-year-old has been pretty flawless in his three steeplechases this season, twice winning at Grade One level.

But what impresses me the most is the way his riders have been able to be in total control throughout his races, covering every move without having to ask too many questions so as not to waste any energy before unleashing his finish kick.

Russell will be dreaming of a Festival win to make his comeback worthwhile and I reckon that hope will be fulfilled this afternoon.

Away from the big race I am sweet on Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained BEAUPORT (5.30) in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup. He is a good novice who will be more suited to racing over a longer distance today than in his recent races.