Cromwell doubles up with Fiveandahalf Gavin Cromwell saddled a quickfire double at Punchestown this afternoon after Fiveandahalf justified favouritism in the Matchbook 50,000 Graduation Series Maiden Hurdle. The 6/5 shot, absent since landing a Ballinrobe bumper back in May, was never too far from the pace under Keith Donoghue and headed the front-running Quest For Answers early on the run-in. The son of Snow Sky, whose full sister Sixandahalf has proved a good dual-purpose performer for the Danestown trainer, kept on well to score by a length and three-quarters with Whisky Lads coming home nicely the same distance further back in third. Cromwell said, “I thought turning in that he was in trouble, but he knuckled down and battled well. In fairness to him, he has a good attitude. “I'm not sure where we'll go next, maybe a rated novice hurdle or something like that. It's a good problem to have. “He could definitely step up in trip. That's good ground there today but on slower, two miles would be fine." The Kevin Sexton-ridden Lunar Stride initiated the Cromwell double in the opening Academy Hurdle. Quotes by John O'Riordan
