DAVY Russell, enjoying a new lease of life on both sides of the Irish Sea, won the first big handicap hurdle of the new season, the Pertemps Network Swinton Handicap Hurdle, on 5/1 favourite John Constable at Haydock on Saturday.

A faller when going well at Aintree, John Constable made up for that mishap by running out an easy 14-length winner from Optimus Prime, after Fergall had come down at the last when beaten.

“He wasn’t a happy horse for a while because it was a bad fall but he’s really come to hand with the warm weather. I’d imagine we’d look at a Flat campaign now,” Williams said.

MIA’S STORM impresses

Alan King is sending out a flurry of spring winners and Mia’s Storm, ridden by Wayne Hutchinson, hit the front between the last two flights before coming home eight lengths clear of Prime Venture in the Pertemps Long Distance Hurdle earlier on.

“She might have one more run over hurdles but as an Irish point-to-point winner she’ll go over fences in the autumn,” King said.

OH THIS IS US WINS AGAIN

A very tough and consistent handicapper before taking on better company, Richard Hannon’s Oh This Is Us battled on well to head Absolutely So in the Listed Spring Trophy over a mile on this mixed card.

“He’s gone up more than 30lbs but is genuine and hardy and is still improving. He did it comfortably in the end,” said winning jockey Tom Marquand.