Dai Walters is looking forward to the National Hunt season reaching full throttle after the prominent owner reached a "gentleman's agreement" with Davy Russell to ride his horses when the jockey is available.

Russell will not be able to devote 100% of his services to Walters due to commitments in Ireland but Walters is hoping that on the major days he will be wearing his blue and white silks.

The owner said: "I've told my trainers that if Davy is available I'd like him to have first choice. He's still got a lot of commitments in Ireland so won't be available all the time, but if he is I'd like him on mine. There's no contract, we've just got a gentleman's agreement, if you like."

Walters went on: "I've got a few for Davy to look forward, too. Whisper would be my highest-rated horse and I think he's going to have another go at chasing.

"Two Taffs is promising and so is Welsh Shadow. I think he could be aimed at the Welsh Champion Hurdle now it's moved, and then we'll think about going chasing with him.

"I've a couple of really nice ones with Nicky Henderson. William Henry, who won a good bumper at Ayr by eight lengths, and Jameson, who won one by 10 lengths at Bangor. They could be anything.

"Another I'm looking forward to is John Constable. He was a nice handicapper last year but he's only just been gelded and that has turned him inside out. I reckon he'll be loads better now.

"So there's plenty there for Davy when he's available and if I can help him, I will."