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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Russell gets Present up on the line

Mon 27th Aug 2018, 16:59

Present In Court (black with orange stars) has plenty to do as they climb the hill for homePresent In Court (black with orange stars) has plenty to do as they climb the hill for home
© Photo Healy Racing

Present In Court got up on the line under Davy Russell, to deny Biddy The Boss in the hannontravel.ie Best Dressed Gentleman Win A Luxury Cruise Maiden Hurdle.

The Gordon Elliott trained victor was successful in a bumper last month, finishing second on his hurdling debut over the course and distance on August 12th.

Sent off an easy to back 9/4 chance this afternoon, the son of Court Cave looked beaten in fourth jumping the last, but under a power packed Russell ride, he stayed on best up the hill, prevailing by a nose.

The aforementioned runner-up was returned at 7/1 under Ger Fox for Gavin Cromwell, while the well-backed 11/10 favourite Little Nugget could only manage a disappointing third, another length and a quarter away.

Elliott said afterwards: "I thought he was beat everywhere, I thought he was beat even crossing the line! He was flat out the whole way.

"He's a horse to go chasing next year and he'll be alright - three miles and a fence will be his job.

"Davy (Russell) got a good cheer so there must have been a good few lads on him!"

The winner, who was previously owned by Qatar Racing Limited, now races in the colours of the Arion Racing Club.

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed D.N. Russell, rider of Present In Court, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.N. Russell was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards cautioned him.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.