Gordon Elliott Cheltenham Festival Preview

Jane Mangan and Barry Geraghty have gone on the road to spend time with one of Ireland’s modern training greats, Gordon Elliott.

In an in-depth and revealing conversation, the Cullentra House handler reflects on his upbringing in County Meath, how he first found his way into racing, and the early experiences that shaped his journey from point-to-point rider to Cheltenham-winning trainer.

The episode revisits some of the defining horses of his career, including Grand National hero Silver Birch and Gold Cup winner Don Cossack, as Elliott discusses the moments that propelled him into the sport’s elite. He also speaks openly about the controversy that overshadowed his career in 2021 and how that period affected both him personally and professionally.

There is candid insight, too, into his relationship with long-time owners Michael and Eddie O’Leary, offering a rare glimpse into the dynamics behind one of racing’s most powerful partnerships.

Naturally, the focus turns to March and the Cheltenham Festival. Elliott runs through his leading hopes for this year’s meeting, including Brighterdaysahead, Romeo Coolio, El Cairos, Teahupoo, Honesty Policy and Wodhooh, while also hinting at a few lesser-known names that could be worth adding to the notebook.

For racing fans, it is a chance to see a different side to Elliott, as he reflects on the highs, the setbacks and the ambitions that continue to drive him at the very top of the sport.

Champion Hurdle

Gordon confirms Brighterdays Ahead is heading for the Champion Hurdle and says she’s in much better shape this season after an issue last year. He mentions she’s been to Cheltenham twice and it hasn’t happened for her yet, but this time she seems in great form and he’s looking forward to it. They also reference Golden Ace as the one who came and beat them in what looked like a two-horse race.

Other mares mentioned in the same breath include Annie Power, Shattered Love, and Apple’s Jade (as examples of big, strong mares with presence).

Turners Novices’ Hurdle

They talk about Ballyfad, with Gordon saying he’s not flashy at home and not a quick horse, but he stays well, jumps, and has a serious will to win. They describe him as honest and tough, and Barry notes how he looked like he might get swallowed up at Leopardstown before battling back.

They also mention Skylight Hustle later in the show as another who may step up in trip to 2m5f and could be a proper classy novice.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Gordon speaks at length about El Kyros, confirming he’s in great form and likely to go for the Supreme, though he repeatedly says nothing is certain with Cheltenham. He explains they ran him at Thurles after his Leopardstown fall to rebuild confidence, because he’s not a big, robust horse.

He admits the Thurles run wasn’t spectacular, but he was pleased overall, and he learned a lot about how the horse needs to be ridden. He suggests the horse might always be a bit careful at his hurdles.

Arkle Trophy

They discuss whether Romeo Coolio might run in the Arkle. Gordon’s instinct is that Fairyhouse is probably the better long-term race for him, and he doesn’t see him as a true two-miler, though he acknowledges Jack Kennedy might feel differently. He notes Romeo Coolio travels and jumps well, and is more relaxed now than he was as a bumper horse.

Stayers’ Hurdle

They call Teahupoo his most reliable Cheltenham horse in recent years, praising his laidback nature, consistency, and how he preserves himself. Gordon says he was keen to run him at Christmas because the gap from Hatton’s Grace to Cheltenham is a long stretch for an older horse.

They also mention stablemate Honesty Policy as a serious contender, praising his finish at Ascot. Gordon says they learned plenty from that run, and he feels it could set him up well for March.

Champion Chase

They mention Found A Fifty as a solid two-mile horse who is just a notch below the very best, but Gordon says he could still run in a Champion Chase or Ryanair and potentially finish in the frame. He expects him to be aimed at the Champion Chase.

They also reference Captain Guinness in the same context.

Cheltenham Gold Cup / Grand National discussion

They mention Firefox, with Gordon admitting he’s possibly got the horse wrong throughout his career. He says Firefox is very quick at home but might actually want a trip, and he raises the question of whether to run him in the Gold Cup or the Grand National.

Gordon says at huge odds (50/1 to 66/1), Firefox could have an each-way chance in the Gold Cup, but he wouldn’t want to run in both races. He also compares Firefox’s Gold Cup run style to last year’s Gold Cup winner (not named directly in this section).

Cross Country Chase

Gordon is positive about Fab Desoo, saying he’s taken really well to the discipline. He explains some horses take to cross-country fences and banks, and some don’t, but Fab Desoo clearly does.

Mares’ Hurdle

They discuss The Wallpark, describing her as a “little winning machine” who keeps improving without people noticing. Gordon says she isn’t flashy at home and works the same regardless of the quality of her companion, but she keeps delivering on the track.

They note she’ll go for the Mares’ Hurdle, but she’ll also stay entered in the Stayers’ Hurdle as a backup. They mention she’s only really been beaten by Lossiemouth, and even then only narrowly.

Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

Gordon highlights Western Fold as one to note, stressing that the Brown Advisory looks wide open. He mentions Final Demand getting beaten at the DRF, which changes the shape of the division, and suggests Western Fold could be dangerous on better ground.

Mares’ Novice / Festival mares’ races

They give a strong mention to Old School Outlaw, with Barry saying she was very good at Fairyhouse and impressed Mark Walsh. They describe her as honest, tough, and strong from the last hurdle to the line.