Andrew Nelis racing

  Davy Russell has paid his tribute to Presenting Percy, hailing the dual Cheltenham Festival winner as an “unbelievable horse”. Owned by Philip Reynolds, Presenting Percy – who died on Thursday, aged 10 – had looked a superstar in the making when producing a scintillating display under Russell to win the 2018 RSA Chase, adding to the pair’s victory in the Pertemps Final 12 months earlier. He went on to win a second Galmoy Hurdle the following season, and was twice ridden by Russell in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, starting favourite in the 2019 renewal. Presenting Percy was put down following a three-month battle with a blood infection. Russell told his Star Sports blog: “I posted a picture of Presenting Percy (on Twitter) earlier on Friday with the words ‘Oh I loved him dearly’ and I’m gutted we have lost such a special fella. “He was an unbelievable horse who was so easy to ride and had such a talent. I spent some time on Friday morning watching back his Pertemps and RSA Chase victor...