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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Mixed fortunes for Elliott as The Goffer scores

Sat 4th Dec 2021, 13:01

The Goffer (Jody McGarvey) is clear at the lastThe Goffer (Jody McGarvey) is clear at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

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)

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.