Gordon Elliott is a big name in the realms of National Hunt racing, and when it comes to the Cheltenham Festival, his horses demand respect.
A two-time Leading Trainer at the prestigious event, Elliott’s ascent to being recognised as one of the best trainers in the sport has been marked by a string of 37 victories at the Cheltenham Festival.
However, his journey has been punctuated by adversity — with a suspension casting a shadow over his illustrious career.
Undeterred by the challenges he faced, Elliott has emerged resolute — rebuilding his yard with tenacity after losing some of his best horses to his rivals.
In this article, we shine a spotlight on four of Elliott’s leading charges. So, read on as we assess some of the best from his strong contingent.
Firefox – Supreme Novices’Hurdle
While Elliott’s arch-rival Willie Mullins appears to hold the strongest hand in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2024 odds with the likes of Ballyburn and Tullyhill, many believe that Firefox could be overpriced at 6/1.
The six-year-old started the season with a third Bumper success at Down Royal but made the switch to obstacles in December, beating Ballyburn by over two lengths in a Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Indeed, Firefox was a disappointing fourth of seven runners in the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Of Nass Novice Hurdle in January. But it seems a bit extreme to rule him out that easily.
Brighterdaysahead – Ryanair Mares’Novices’ Hurdle
Elliott’s shortest-priced horse of the week looks set to be Brightdaysahead, who has been cut to 2/1 for the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle — the penultimate race of the week.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned horse is unbeaten in his five races under rules, winning two Bumpers last year before making a seamless switch to hurdles.
She reappeared with a 10-length win at Thurles in October and has won Grade 3 and Listed contests at Down Royal and Navan since.
Mullins’ Jade De Grugy and the Fergal O’Brien-trained Dysart Enos are her biggest rivals, but Brighterdaysahead could be worth considering for your Cheltenham welcome offers.
Teahupoo – Stayers’Hurdle
Teahupoo or Irish Point? That is the question many are set to face when they assess the Stayers’ Hurdle market, as Elliott’s duo and the fellow Robcour-owned horses lead the betting.
Since Teahupoo is the ever-so-slight favourite, however, we have opted to take a look at his chances in the day three feature.
Third in the Stayers’ Hurdle last year despite going off as the market leader, Teahupoo made a good account of himself in his only run this season — winning the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December.
This is a step back up in trip to the demanding three miles, but Teahupoo is going in fresh and must have a good chance.
Delta Work – Cross Country Chase
The Cross Country Chase is another race where several of Elliott’s runners can hardly be separated, as Delta Work, Galvin, and Conflated are behind Henry de Bromhead’s Minella Indo in the market.
This is a race Elliott has won five times since 2017 though, and preference is just about Delta Work as he aims to make it three wins on the bounce in this challenging Cheltenham contest.
He is getting on a bit at 11, but Delta Work seems to come into his stride in the Cross Country Chase and it would be no surprise to see him land the hat-trick that the legendary Tiger Roll couldn’t.