Gordon Elliott's promising Staffordshire Knot is poised to sidestep the Cheltenham Festival in favour of Aintree. The six-year-old Shantou gelding made waves during the Caldwell Construction dispersal sale at Tattersalls Ireland, fetching a notable €510,000.
Under the ownership of Gigginstown House Stud, Staffordshire Knot recently secured a commendable second-place finish behind Largy Hill in a Grade 3 novice hurdle at Thurles just a week ago. Despite holding an entry in the Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, Elliott is now setting his sights on Liverpool.
Confirming the decision, Elliott stated,
"He'll head to Aintree. He's a strong galloper, so races over two and a half or three miles suit him well."
Staffordshire Knot has already showcased his potential by triumphing in a bumper at Fairyhouse under Elliott's guidance and impressively clinching a maiden hurdle victory at Down Royal in January with a commanding 21-length lead.