Russell lauded by Elliott for 'real masterclass' “He probably runs well fresh and Davy (Russell) gave him a peach of a ride. It was a real masterclass — it was a class ride,” said Gordon Elliott after bringing up a Punchestown treble with Star Maker (8s into 6s) in the Free Festival Upgrade Offer Novice Handicap Hurdle. Elliott was earlier on the mark with Ben Dundee (Keith Donoghue) and also with a Russell-partnered scorer in Commander Of Fleet in the two and a half mile maiden hurdle. Russell was at his patient best on the smooth-travelling Star Maker, moving up behind horses in the straight. Once given the office the Thomond Racing Syndicate-owned four-year-old was too strong, by a length and the same from Due Reward and Party Playboy. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Paris Texas (FR), trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have knocked himself inside his right forearm, otherwise he was post race normal. (GC & EM)
