Comeback hoop Nathan Punch has ridden his first winner in 22 months at Pakenham on Monday, steering Brian McGrath's $56 shot Ellmaknifico to an upset victory. However, after a few setbacks, Punch resumed riding in jumpouts in early March and was back race-riding a fortnight later. The victory was comfortable on the line and naturally a very special one for Punch, who was delighted to notch a winner for McGrath. Punch was disappointed with how Ellmaknifico's luckless last start panned out but was left confident the six-year-old could go close stepping up a furlong on Monday. I came here confident, on what he did last week, that stepping up to 1400 metres he'd be strong."

Source: Punch June 24, 2024 13:06 UTC