Skip to content
Gordon Elliott. Tim Goode

'The circumstances this year have been very funny' - Gordon Elliott looks ahead to Cheltenham festival

After a curious year, the trainer previews the biggest racing festival of them all.

TOWARDS THE END of his open day for the racing media, as the countdown for the Cheltenham Festival gets truly under way, Gordon Elliott remarked that he was thinking of stepping up in trip with Mengli Khan and dropping back down with Hardline.

Trainers are always adding to the information bank and tweaking as needs be, but there is a sense this year that getting a handle on the novices in particular has been more of a puzzle than ever before.

“I’d say it’s the same for the public, the press and everyone” said Elliott. “There’s a lot of horses that have only had one run and they might have had two or three before so for experience and everything, it is a worry for a lot of people but everyone is in the same boat. The circumstances this year have been very funny.”

Whereas Irish history is pockmarked with a few Big Snows and the odd Big Wind prior to last year, there aren’t too many testimonies detailing a Big Drought.

The stubborn refusal of rain to fall for most of 2018, after the Beast from the East had had its wicked way with us, made the going almost too quick for flat racing here. It left national hunt trainers tearing their hair out and in reality, we have been treated to a winter of summer jumps racing.

The quality is better of course but trying to make sense of form since November is very difficult indeed, with Cheltenham – the ultimate priority for all the good ones – in mind.

Sniffles, colds and bugs (nobody mention the flu) thrive in the prevailing milder conditions as well, so many handlers are on Plan Z with their charges, having constantly had to chop and change with regard to intended engagements, fearful of running them without juice in the soil, or unable to because of sickness.

Much is made of the ‘Where’s Wally?’ routine of Gold Cup favourite Presenting Percy but there will be horses line up in the shadow of the Cotswolds without having had any run at all this season.

The term started with the shock announcement that Samcro would eschew the presumed direct run at a chasing career for a tilt at the Champion Hurdle.

Given that industry media and followers are forever bemoaning the adoption of a perceived easier route, it was disappointing to see such enterprise and ambition belittled as last year’s Ballymore winner was beaten three times, most recently out the gate in the Ryanair Hurdle at Christmas. A lung infection emerged subsequently and he has been on the easy list since though may make an appearance still at Cheltenham.

It won’t be the Champion Hurdle though, because stablemate and fellow Gigginstown House-owned horse, Apple’s Jade has leapt to the forefront of thinking with regard to the two-mile championship after her annihilation of a strong field in the Irish Champion Hurdle at the beginning of the month.

The irony here is that the aforementioned bemoaning followed the daughter of Saddle Maker around as her intended engagement was the Mares’ Hurdle. If you were Elliott and the O’Leary brothers, you would have been forgiven for thinking you couldn’t win.

The Stayers’ Hurdle is where Samcro will show up now if he does make the trip to Cheltenham but it is evident that his prospects are longer term again, over the larger obstacles.

“I think there’s more important horses than Samcro to talk about now” a mildly-irritated Elliott declared at one point, as questioning on the one-time Champion Hurdle favourite continued. It has been a long grind for the Samcro team and you hope he is back to his brilliant best by this time next year.

Gordon Elliott Stable Visit - Cullentra House Apples Jade, at Cullentra House in Meath. Niall Carson Niall Carson

For now, the star is Apple’s Jade. A seven-year-old mare, bought by Willie Mullins for Michael O’Leary but who moved to Cullentra House when the Gigginstown-Closutton partnership ended, she has been victorious in 10 Grade One contests.

The three garnered this term have come at wildly-varying distances but until Leopardstown, she was destined for a different target.

“If you want to be a jockey and don’t want to be a champion jockey; if you want to be a trainer and won’t want to be champion trainer, then you shouldn’t be in it.

“If you’ve a horse that’s got a chance of winning the Champion Hurdle, you’ve got to give it a go. It’s one of those races. She’s a hero in my eyes. If she could win the Champion Hurdle, she’d be something special, wouldn’t she?

“I’m best man for saying you should try and win the race that best suits a horse but for the year that’s in it….what would you do? She got bet in Mares’ Hurdle last year.

“She’s got 10 Grade Ones won. If she went and won the Champion Hurdle, it would be icing on the cake, wouldn’t it?

“I was nervous coming back against the geldings over two miles but she showed how good she is. This year, she’s gone from strength to strength. If she runs to the form she’s running all year, I think she’ll run a big race in the Champion Hurdle.”

Samcro was looking very well but time is his enemy.

“Cheltenham is coming fast enough. His options are Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown but the next 10 days are important.

“He looks good but until you go and give them a few good bits of work, you don’t know where you’re going and what you’re doing. It’s not the be-all and end-all. If he gets to Cheltenham, he does. If he doesn’t, whether it be Aintree or Punchestown, or we take the shoes off him and leave him to go chasing next year, there’s no decision made yet.”

Meanwhile, Tiger Roll is now one of the most popular horses in Ireland – and at Cullentra.

“I couldn’t believe how well he won on Sunday. It surprised me. I thought he’d finish second- or third-last t to be honest. It was a good pipe-opener for the cross-country race. He showed how good of a horse he is. To win at three Cheltenham Festivals… to win a Grand National and then come back and win a Boyne Hurdle…we’re very lucky to have him and he’s one of the favourites around the yard.

“It’d put a smile on your face looking at a horse like him.”

Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:

Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john fleming
    Favourite john fleming
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:40 PM

    no Conway is the man. fast can tackle & safe hands under a high ball

    184
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony
    Favourite Anthony
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 9:02 PM

    @john fleming: shtop.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ravensburger
    Favourite Ravensburger
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:57 PM

    @john fleming: Ha ha ha

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rudiger McMonihan
    Favourite Rudiger McMonihan
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:14 PM

    He’s too dangerous a finisher to take off the wing. I’d like to see Stockdale-Lowe-Larmour next season

    136
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bluepoolroad
    Favourite Bluepoolroad
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:22 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: Lowe is qualified?

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Pogba
    Favourite Paul Pogba
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:24 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: that would be a ridiculous backline

    69
    See 11 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John John
    Favourite John John
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:35 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: oh Jesus Christ !!!!

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rudiger McMonihan
    Favourite Rudiger McMonihan
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:54 PM

    @Bluepoolroad: after the world cup

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie Hekenui
    Favourite Eddie Hekenui
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 8:25 PM

    I think it’s November 2020 before he qualifies

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Padraic Burke
    Favourite Padraic Burke
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 8:43 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: Keith Earls won’t be pushed out that easily.

    72
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony
    Favourite Anthony
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 9:01 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: Jesus did earl’s steal your wife or something

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Baz Dunne
    Favourite Baz Dunne
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 9:52 PM

    @Padraic Burke: Earls isn’t half the player that Lowe is.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rudiger McMonihan
    Favourite Rudiger McMonihan
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:53 PM

    Earl’s is much older and in a years time it is unlikely that he will still be the best winger. If he is then fair play to him. I hope I’m proven wrong!

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony
    Favourite Anthony
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:57 PM

    @Baz Dunne: your right. He’s twice the player.

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Quinn
    Favourite Martin Quinn
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 1:06 AM

    @Anthony:

    For Leinster the qualification of Jamison Gibson-Park at the end of 2019 will mean J Lowe should become a regular because that 2 into 3 problem will be gone. But it will not be till next year that he could qualifie (if he wants to go for a place in the Ireland setup)

    A fine player but Earls is the man !!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard James
    Favourite Richard James
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 3:50 AM

    @Baz Dunne: And you’re clearly not half the expert you think you are.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute BMJF
    Favourite BMJF
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 9:16 AM

    @Bluepoolroad: yes Lowe can play I. Next 6nations I think … has to be in the mix as does Adam Byrne I think if he keeps progressing post the Kearney, Earls era

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute southside
    Favourite southside
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:51 PM

    Is there anything to be said for Simon Zebo?

    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Baz Dunne
    Favourite Baz Dunne
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:58 PM

    @southside: No

    123
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rudiger McMonihan
    Favourite Rudiger McMonihan
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 8:11 PM

    @southside: if he comes back then absolutely

    44
    See 11 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute T Meister
    Favourite T Meister
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 8:26 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: Zebo shouldn’t have to come back to qualify. He is 1/2 French and has chosen to experience that culture. Should that restrict his eligibility?? NO
    Bad example but Imagine telling Irish soccer players plying their trade in England you need to play in the league of Ireland.
    Zebo record try scorer for Munster
    Was on shortlist in his 1 season for Top 14 player of the year. Of course he should be considered.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Mc
    Favourite Chris Mc
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 8:29 PM

    @southside: yeah get lost Simon

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony
    Favourite Anthony
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 9:04 PM

    @T Meister: yes it most certainly should restrict it. We need to protect our provincial game because at the moment it’s working. Look at how bad the French team are because they have no control over french club players

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Baz Dunne
    Favourite Baz Dunne
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 9:53 PM

    @T Meister: I can’t believe we’re STILL having the Zebo conversation.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Great Unwashed
    Favourite The Great Unwashed
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 12:05 AM

    @Anthony:
    So should Sexton have been dropped too?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Quinn
    Favourite Martin Quinn
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 1:11 AM

    @The Great Unwashed:

    Different times my friend and all gone over many many times .

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute T Meister
    Favourite T Meister
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 9:25 AM

    @Anthony: FREEDOM of choice for ALL.
    Best players who qualify for this country should be considered. Provinces should stand on their own merits encourage Irish players to stay but not the detriment of the National Side being able to choose The Best 15.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Great Unwashed
    Favourite The Great Unwashed
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 9:51 AM

    @Martin Quinn:
    Not different times at all. The ‘rule’ applied to players before Sexton and after Sexton, so why didn’t it apply to Sexton himself?
    You can’t have a policy and then choose to disregard it when it’s inconvenient – either it’s the policy or it isn’t.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Mc
    Favourite Chris Mc
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 9:58 AM

    @The Great Unwashed: maybe you should change your name to the great uneducated, this was enforced because of sexton.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Great Unwashed
    Favourite The Great Unwashed
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 2:07 PM

    @Chris Mc:
    What does that even mean? The policy was there long before Sexton moved to Racing, so why wasn’t it applied to him as it was applied to other players who moved overseas?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ©️⚙️NNA©️HT6️⃣6️⃣
    Favourite ©️⚙️NNA©️HT6️⃣6️⃣
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 3:00 PM

    @The Great Unwashed: I know the reason as you certainly do by the question you asked and for THIS reply to be published this is all I can say.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Waggon
    Favourite Paddy Waggon
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:24 PM

    No.
    His a winger.
    Stick to players playing in there natural position. Instead of fannying about.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Donnelly
    Favourite Kevin Donnelly
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 9:18 PM

    @Paddy Waggon: played u20 at full back and pretty impressive at that

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Waggon
    Favourite Paddy Waggon
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:06 PM

    @Kevin Donnelly: why was he moved to the wing so .

    3
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dino Baggio
    Favourite Dino Baggio
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:23 PM

    @Paddy Waggon: To get game time in a position which is not as challenging for a young inexperienced player. He will be Ulster’s 15 for years to come imo

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Snow
    Favourite Declan Snow
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:39 PM

    Even though his defence has improved over the past 12 months, it remains the weakest part of his game. At 15 he could be exposed by all of the open ground as opposed to being able to use the touchline as an extra defender. It could improve for pro14 level but I don’t think he could manage international.

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daragh O'Brien
    Favourite Daragh O'Brien
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 11:12 PM

    @Declan Snow: It’s his defensive positioning and reads that have let him down, rather than his tackle technique. At 15 he’ll only really be needed to shut someone down when they break the line and he has the speed to do it. Would really like to see him there.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Baz Dunne
    Favourite Baz Dunne
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:57 PM

    The thoughts of a Stockdale, Lowe, Larmour back 3 going into the next world cup cycle is mouth watering!

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aaron Tynan
    Favourite Aaron Tynan
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:21 PM

    I’d prefer to see Larmour getting some serious game time back there!

    He needs to be given a few games on the run

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bluepoolroad
    Favourite Bluepoolroad
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:24 PM

    @Aaron Tynan: In what aspect(s) of his game is Jordan better than Jacob?

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Keenan
    Favourite John Keenan
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:39 PM

    @Bluepoolroad: actually grounding the ball for one

    112
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Graham O'Hara
    Favourite Graham O'Hara
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:20 PM

    @John Keenan: savage

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Foster
    Favourite Stephen Foster
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:28 PM

    @John Keenan: that was harsh now in fairness.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Biscuits Patinkin
    Favourite Biscuits Patinkin
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:39 PM

    @Stephen Foster: funny tho

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Great Unwashed
    Favourite The Great Unwashed
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 12:06 AM

    @Bluepoolroad:
    Knowing when to pass.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian O'Driscoll
    Favourite Brian O'Driscoll
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 1:14 AM

    I think everyone is forgetting about Addison. I think he will have a say in that back 3 over the next 4 – 8 years.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bungee Aky
    Favourite Bungee Aky
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 8:11 PM

    Stockdale can’t / won’t pass.
    You need a 15 that can pass.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Frizzell
    Favourite Ian Frizzell
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 8:44 PM

    @Bungee Aky: so Rob Lyttle got the ball by telepathy on Friday night?

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bungee Aky
    Favourite Bungee Aky
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 9:03 PM

    @Ian Frizzell: you said it

    3
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kazoochka
    Favourite Kazoochka
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 9:11 PM

    @Bungee Aky: Rob “Straightens the line” Kearney never saw a ball he couldnt run into the first chaser with

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Donnelly
    Favourite Kevin Donnelly
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 9:20 PM

    @Bungee Aky: Kearney is knowing for his passing rather than his running into contact ;-)

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard James
    Favourite Richard James
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 3:53 AM

    @Bungee Aky: also a dodgy defender

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard James
    Favourite Richard James
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 3:54 AM

    @Kevin Donnelly: In what alternate universe is that true?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Malachy Guilfoyle
    Favourite Malachy Guilfoyle
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 8:43 PM

    I never feel confident that he will catch a high contested ball in game.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Macca
    Favourite Macca
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:48 PM

    The question is, who will be fb come world cup

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rochelle
    Favourite Rochelle
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:07 PM

    Henshaw is our best natural fullback, I hope Joe sticks with him in the warm ups.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kazoochka
    Favourite Kazoochka
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:44 PM

    @Rochelle: showed against england he has almost no positional sense to defend the chip over the top. If he isnt playing 15 for leinster (he wont be) its a non runner for Ire

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ravensburger
    Favourite Ravensburger
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 10:58 PM

    @Rochelle: He is in his hoop

    7
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dino Baggio
    Favourite Dino Baggio
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 11:03 PM

    @Kazoochka: bovine excrement! He covered as well as anyone would have with that defensive set up. Even with the tweaks that followed RK with all his experience was caught several times v Italy. Give players that much time to look up and pick and choose their kicks and with nobody else dropping into the backfield the best 15 in the world would have struggled. England just out gunned us tactically and broke our defence down, I wouldn’t go pointing the finger at any one player.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Mc
    Favourite Chris Mc
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 10:01 AM

    @Kazoochka: both Earls and Stockdale made horrible calls in the game and expecting an full back to read those is a bit much.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jim Lynch
    Favourite Jim Lynch
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 9:55 PM

    Larmour is prob next in line, he still has a lot of learning to do in my opinion. There are a lot of times in games where his decision making with ball in hand gets him (team) in trouble. No doubting his ability but sometimes he should just take the direct line of contact and get go forward rather than trying to jink statically around guys and then get pushed back a few meters

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Mitchell
    Favourite Gavin Mitchell
    Report
    Apr 18th 2019, 7:19 PM

    Well itd be interesting. Hes a tall lad so fielding wouldnt be an issue. In terms of speed hes very quick as well. But is he too tqll that hes an easier target?

    Worth a try at least.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony O Connell
    Favourite Anthony O Connell
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 9:26 AM

    I’d much rather keep him on the wing. It’s a pity Haley has taken the fullback position at Munster as I believe Conway is our best all rounded fullback in the country. While larmour and Addison have still to add to their game, I believe Conway has all the right attributes to make a top quality fullback at international level.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Mc
    Favourite Chris Mc
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 10:03 AM

    @Anthony O Connell: Conway has never really claimed the Munster 15 shirt and always seems to be injured when the internationals come around. He’s no spring chicken either.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mick O'Shea
    Favourite Mick O'Shea
    Report
    Apr 19th 2019, 11:23 AM

    You shut up.
    I’m Eoin McLove.
    I can do what I lie!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a comment

 
cancel reply