Davy Russell combined with owners Gigginstown House Stud for a double at Punchestown today when steering Tofino Bay to a hard fought win in the Goffs Punchestown Festival Sale Maiden Hurdle.

Tofino Bay raced prominently but needed all of Russell’s strength to eventually hold the challenge of hurdling newcomer Popcorn by a neck. A Stewards’ Enquiry, into slight interference on the run-in, was subsequently called but no alteration was made to the placings.

Winning trainer Dessie Hughes was not present for the win.

Tom Weekes