Elliott out of luck as comeback runner Oh Purple Reign is unplaced
No Punchestown victory to mark trainer’s return from six-month ban.
Gordon Elliott was out of luck at Punchestown with his first runner since returning from suspension. The leading Irish trainer was banned for 12 months, with half of that punishment suspended, after an image of him sitting on a dead horse was widely circulated on social media in March. Elliott was also ordered to pay costs of EURO 15,000 – with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board stating the punishment reflected “the seriousness of the offence and the damage to the Irish racing industry” after the image provoked huge public outcry. After serving a ban of six months, during which time Denise Foster took temporary control of Cullentra stables, Elliott was free to begin making entries again from last Thursday – initially making five for Punchestown’s Flat fixture. But he declared only two runners – and with third reserve Alice Kitty failing to make the cut in race six, his solitary representative on Tuesday’s card was recent winner Oh Purple Reign in the Donate To The Coast To The Curragh Cycle In Honour Of Pat Smullen Handicap. Ridden by Declan McDonogh, the four-year-old was the 9-2 second-favourite to follow up his Gowran Park victory of 13 days earlier, but was struggling towards the rear turning for home and ultimately beat just two rivals in 12th place behind 14-1 winner Khafaaq. Elliott, who was in attendance at Punchestown, is set to saddle four runners on Wednesday’s National Hunt card at Sligo.Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Boiling Point too hot for Newmarket rivals
Royal Ascot next on the agenda for Roger Varian’s charge.
-
O’Brien and City Of Troy all set for Classic day of reckoning
All the work has been done – now the big day has come for unbeaten Guineas favourite.
-
Beautiful Diamond aiming to sparkle in Palace House
Connections believe filly can make her mark over five furlongs this term.
-
Caviar hits Newmarket Heights for Karl Burke
Listed winner now 33-1 for the Derby after impressive outing.
-
Rosallion ready to rumble after winter of content
‘I know he’s the best in the yard… we’ll find out on Saturday if he’s the best in the race’.
-
Lossiemouth poised for starring role on final day of Punchestown
Magnificent grey mare can complete unbeaten campaign.
-
Fallen Angel leads 1000 Guineas contenders
Trainer and jockey are both searching for a first British Classic.
-
Casa No Mento a famous Punchestown winner for Twiston-Davies
‘We have to come over a give it a go. Willie had five in, but you have to try to beat him’.
-
Teahupoo confirmed as king of the stayers with stylish success
Cheltenham winner adds Punchestown crown to his CV.
-
Il Etait Temps floors Gaelic Warrior for Grade One honours
Punchestown one-two for Willie Mullins, but not in order expected.