CORK jockeys Davy Russell and Paul Townend dominated the third day of the Cheltenham Festival, winning five races between them.

Youghal’s Russell rode a treble on the day comfortably beating local favourite Un De Sceaux aboard the Henry De Bromhead-trained Balko Des Flows in the Ryanair Chase.

Townend, a native of Midleton, replied with a double, claiming the Stayers Hurdle with Penhill which was the feature race on the day while Laurina romped to victory in the mares hurdle to complete an extraordinary day for the east Cork duo.

Russell said: “Riding a treble around here is very special as the racing is so competitive. Delta Work won the Pertemps by a nose and I actually thought Barry Geraghty had chinned me on the line.

“Balko beat Un De Sceaux and the O’Connells were very gracious in defeat as they are great sportspeople.

“The Storyteller completed an unforgettable day and it was a brilliant bit of placing by Gordon (Elliot).

“My father travelled over today so I’m sure everyone back home got great enjoyment out of it.”

Un De Sceaux never got to terms with Balko Des Flows but Paul Townend showed his undoubted talent by bouncing back with two winners on a day Ireland won six out of the seven races.

Townend said: “It was disappointing to get beat on Un De Sceaux but that’s racing and shows how hard it is to win around here. Penhill is such a battler and has now won back to back races here. Laurina is high class and a real horse for the future.”

Leeside's Noel Fehily was also a winner on the first day of the festival.