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.