Russell gets Present up on the line

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