Gordon Elliott returns from suspension with one runner at Punchestown

Gordon Elliott will return from his suspension at Punchestown on Tuesday and will be hoping that he can kick off with a winner. It will be the first horse running in his own name since March 8.

Denise Foster temporarily took over the reins at Cullentra House during Elliott’s six-month suspension. It is old news at this stage but if you did not know why Elliott was suspended, a picture leaked in March of him sitting on top of a dead horse.

It has been a tough few months for the industry and no doubt a very tough time for Elliott. He is back a much humbler man trying to build up his name again.

Elliott has declared two runners at Punchestown on Tuesday, which is a Flat card. There is only one assured to run though and that is Oh Purple Reign at 2.30pm. Alice Kitty, who has an entry in the 4.05pm, is the third reserve and probably won’t run.

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2.30 Punchestown

Oh Purple Reign is a former Richard Hannon inmate and was rated as high as 102 on the level as a juvenile. He got off the mark for the first time in close to two years when winning impressively at Gowran this month. It was certainly a long time between drinks as he had fallen to a rating of 64 so was long overdue success and the handicapper gave him every chance.

Elliott was quoted saying: “Oh Purple Reign won well at Gowran last time. It’s probably going to be a big ask from a 9lb higher mark and he’s got a bad draw so we’ll see how he gets on. Alice Kitty probably won’t get in.”

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