Elliott's Exile gets an opening in the 'Windows' maiden Gordon Elliott’s Road Exile (4/1) was an appropriate winner of Navan’s stylish Timeless Sash Windows Maiden Hurdle today, defeating some well-regarded rivals to score for owners Gigginstown House Stud and jockey Jack Kennedy. The point-to-point and bumper winner had finished third on a recent hurdling debut and today faced heavily-supported Burrows Drive (11/4 - 6/4f) and Willie Mullins’ well-touted Copacabana, in a field of 26. Road Exile led and, while he capitalised on Burrows Drive’s blunder at the second-last, was joined by strong-travelling Copacabana before the last. However, Kennedy’s mount found more on the run-in to score by three-parts of a length from the staying-at-it runner-up. Elliott said "He gave him a great ride, the horse has a great attitude and is very honest. He stays going very well. To be honest, it was a Grade 1 - there was no hiding place and I imagine he’ll run next during Christmas." Regarding the race sponsors, Elliott added "It is a nice race to win, the Timeless Sash Windows, as Barry Callaghan’s (sponsors) family are just over the road from me. I started off in Barry's yard in Capranny, so they are good friends and all the family are here today.” Elliott had, in 2007, sent out his breakthrough Grand National winner Silver Birch from his former rented base, Capranny Stables in Trim. Quotes from Michael Graham
