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)
