Photo by Patrick McCann
Gordon Elliott enjoyed an exceptional Christmas period on the racecourse, producing 18 winners from December 26 to 29 inclusive. Ten of those victories came at Leopardstown, with the Cullentra trainer saddling 77 runners across nine meetings for a strike rate of 23 percent during the busiest and most competitive time of the season.
Several performances stood out, most notably a Grade 1 treble at Leopardstown. Romeo Coolio landed the two mile novice chase, Teahupoo took the three mile Christmas Hurdle and Skylight Hustle captured the two mile novice hurdle. All three were ridden by Jack Kennedy, who has moved firmly into contention for champion jockey honours. Elliott also enjoyed further success at Grade 2 and Grade 3 level, along with a memorable 66 to 1 victory in the Paddy Power Chase with Favori De Champdou.
Despite the purple patch, Elliott was quick to play down talk of a first trainers’ championship, pointing to the dominance of Willie Mullins. He said his focus remains on continuing to train winners and making the most of a strong team of horses currently in the yard.
Elliott added five more winners around New Year’s Day at Fairyhouse, Punchestown and Tramore. As of January 5, he held a lead of €900,000 over Mullins, with four months of the season still remaining before the championship concludes at Punchestown in early May.
Elsewhere, Noel Meade enjoyed a welcome return to the Grade 1 spotlight at Leopardstown when Affordale Fury caused a major upset in the Savills Chase. Sent off at 7 to 1, the horse defeated Willie Mullins’ runners I Am Maximus and defending champion Galopin Des Champs. Ridden by Sam Ewing, Affordale Fury travelled prominently throughout and pulled clear to win by more than two lengths, putting himself firmly into the Cheltenham Gold Cup picture.
Meade had just eight runners over the four day Christmas period, but two were winners and three more finished placed, suggesting the yard is in strong form. His other success came courtesy of The Mourne Rambler in a Leopardstown bumper.
Gavin Cromwell recorded three winners between Christmas and the New Year at Leopardstown, Down Royal and Punchestown. The standout was Addragoole, who won a handicap chase at Leopardstown by over two lengths under Kieren Buckley.
Trim based trainer Tom Gibney also got on the scoresheet when Sammy Smart won a handicap chase at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve, ridden by James Smith.
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Naas (rescheduled) Friday January 9 (first race 12.45pm)
Dundalk Friday January 9 (first race 430pm)
Fairyhouse Saturday January 10 (first race 12.00pm)
Punchestown Sunday January 11 (first race 12.20pm)
