Photos by Ben Kelly
Commander Of Fleet ridden by reigning champion jockey Davy Russell and trained by Co Meath's Gordon Elliott won the KildareNow Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown on Saturday.
Russell sat close to the pace set by Kalum River until hitting the front in the 2.5 mile contest and winning by six lengths.
The presentation (above) was made by Anna Fortune, Commercial Manager of KildareNow and Kildare Post to Russell as well as owners - Jody and Eddie O'Leary of Gigginstown House Stud.
Anna said KildareNow was proud to sponsor the race and to support the Punchestown Winter Festival.
Kildare Now Maiden Hurdle
She congratulated the winning jockey, owners and trainer on the success.
The Punchestown Winter Festival - held over Saturday and Sunday - featured the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle on the second day.
Commander of Fleet
Russell said of the four-year-old Commander of Fleet.“That was great and a lovely start."
Kildare Now Maiden Hurdle winner Commander of Fleet with the mount of Jockey Davy Russell
“He’s childish in his ways and these are only just steps along the way. Where he’ll end up, God only knows, but he’s a nice horse today anyway. It was ideal as we went a reasonable gallop and he picked up well off it.”
He added: “He’s versatile, I’d say. Obviously connections have other horses to be thinking of, too. It’s great to have the choice with him.”
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