Mixed fortunes for Elliott as The Goffer scores

There were contrasting fortunes for the Gordon Elliott yard in division two of the Kilberry Pub & Kitchen Maiden Hurdle at Navan as odds-on favourite Fantasio D’alene took a heavy fall four out but the powerful yard still landed the spoils with The Goffer

The Davy Russell-ridden 5/6 favourite was tracking the leaders when crashing out and The Goffer was left in front after the front-running Battle Frontier who jumped markedly right throughout, fell at the penultimate flight.

Jody McGarvey ’s mount soon asserted and kept on strongly on the run-in to score by eight lengths at odds of 10/1. Highland Charge just held off Whacker Clan for the runner-up spot.

There was something of a pantomime feel beforehand with three false starts before the action eventually got underway over five minutes late.

Russell is stood down for the remainder of the day with a sprained wrist.

Elliott said, "This horse was actually working well since the last day. I didn't think he'd do that but he did it well and he's an improving horse.

“He's a nice big horse and I'm very happy with him. He's a grand horse and he's big enough to jump fences as well.”

(GC & AM)