Russell celebrates rare cross-code winning double

Trainer Russell secured a rare cross-code winning double, claiming a thoroughbred victory on Saturday before following up with a standardbred pacing win on Monday. The 35-year-old achieved his first thoroughbred triumph at Tabulam Racing Club with mare Cut Diamonds. Two days later, he added a harness victory at Marburg with veteran standardbred Copy Writer.

Copy Writer, driven by Adam Richardson, earned her ninth career victory from 115 starts in what served as her final race before retirement. Based in Lake Clarendon, Russell manages around a dozen harness horses alongside a small contingent of thoroughbreds, which he introduced after overcoming past mental health challenges with support from racing friends.