Russell back in winning groove for Elliott

Davy Russell booted home his first winner since returning from retirement to ride for Gordon Elliott while Jack Kennedy is sidelined through injury.

Russell and Sa Fureur contested the second divide of the Seamus & Annie Hughes Memorial Maiden Hurdle and went off 3/1 for this two miler in Punchestown.

Russell got after his mount and sent him on from Sunchart approaching the final bend.The six-year-old gelding kept on well and had plenty in the tank once he cleared the last. A winning margin of four and three quarter lengths was soon posted. Stuzzikini (40/1) kept on for second to give Elliott a one-two and he was two and a half lengths in front of Bialystok 5/4 favourite.

“That's grand, I panicked a little bit and took it up early enough, but to be fair to the horse he stayed at it well,” said Russell.

“Winning is what it's all about and it's great to be back in the winners' enclosure.

“We're a close team, Gordon knows I'll be giving him 100 per cent and vice versa. I'm having a good blow now!”

Russell got a warm reception by the crowd around the parade ring and added: “What makes it is the crowd and they clapped me into the parade ring.

We're very lucky as a sport with the people that follow us, they have a love and interest in the sport. It's great and having a bit of life around the place is super.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson