Son Of Getaway Makes All To Win Maiden Hurdle

Pats Choice (5g Getaway - La Scala Diva, by Milan) gained a deserved success in Saturday’s two mile maiden hurdle at Navan.

Runner-up on all his previous starts over hurdles, Gordon Elliott’s charge was sent off favourite to go one better under Davy Russell. Making all of the running, the bay was pushed clear from the penultimate flight and kept on well to score by four lengths and three quarters.

“Pats Choice has been knocking on the door and he was entitled to do that,” Elliott commented after the race. “We said we'd stride along on the inside and see how we go and it paid dividends. He found plenty and I'd say he'll stay further. He's a big chaser in the making.”

Owned by Mrs Sloan, Pats Choice also placed in a bumper last season. Bought as a three-year-old for €170,000, the son of Getaway was bred by John and Dr Carlos McDowell.