FOR the third time in five years, Gordon Elliott struck gold in the Grade 3 Markaye Contracts Ltd Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle as The Goffer turned out in the form of his life to put himself in the picture for a trip to Cheltenham.

One of the seven winners for his trainer on that famous day at Navan in early December, The Goffer had since run respectably in a couple of conditions races but evidently more was expected here as he was sent off a well supported 5/2 second favourite.