Elliott pleased with Silver Birch Gordon Elliott said he was pleased with the efforts of Silver Birch after his Grand National hero of 2007 finished ninth in the Slane Handicap Hurdle won by Bit Of A Devil. Ridden by Elliott's brother Joey, the 12-year-old was seen to have a good blow after the race and is now set for a return to the Liverpool venue. "I'm happy although I thought he'd finish a bit closer," revealed the trainer. "He just got caught a bit flat footed but he is 12 and is not getting any younger. I thought at one stage he would be tailed off but when Joey gave him a slap down the shoulder he stayed on well. If he jumps around Aintree and finishes seventh or eighth I would be happy."
