Gordon Elliott’s Ballymak opened up his account over hurdles when taking the opening I.N.H Stallions Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Navan this afternoon.

Davy Russell was in front before the sixth and pair kept on well from the last for a two and a half length win over Puyol

Winning trainer Elliott said afterwards: “He’s a lovely horse and you won’t see the best of him until he’s in front of a fence over three miles. "

"He won his point to point for us and then Gigginstown bought him.”

Elliott also added: “Silver Birch will go to Cheltenham on Friday and he’s in terrific form. We brought him hunting on Tuesday and he got on great.”