Down Royal | geegeez.co.uk

Pied Piper regains winning thread on chasing bow

13 April 2025/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Pied Piper paid back some of his hefty purchase price when bouncing back to form to claim victory in the Fibrus Gallop At Gigabit Speeds Beginners Chase at Down Royal.

Gordon Elliott’s charge survived a couple of erratic jumps to ultimately prevail by 20 lengths as the 10-11 favourite under Danny Gilligan and was winning for the first time since changing hands for €570,000 at the Andy and Gemma Brown dispersal sale in February 2024.

A former Triumph Hurdle third and Cesarewitch runner-up on the Flat, he was placed in last season’s County Hurdle on his first start for new owners but then disappointed on his next four outings before this success.

Pied Piper is now a hurdle AND chase winner at Down Royal@DannyGilligan8 | @gelliott_racing pic.twitter.com/qtGm2FgzlE

— Down Royal Racecourse (@Downroyal) April 13, 2025

Assistant trainer Lisa O’Neill said: “On his best day, he is entitled to win that. As Danny said, he had a couple of novicey mistakes but he’ll certainly learn from the experience.

“It is lovely to get his head in front again. He was a little bit keen in the early stages, but Danny gave him a lovely ride. It is lovely to see him do that.”

Pied Piper was fitted with cheekpieces for the first time on his chasing debut and O’Neill added: “Probably his last couple of runs were a little bit disappointing. It was probably just to dot the i’s and cross the t’s, but he has been schooling well at home. I’m sure he will build on that and learn plenty from that jumping today.

“Danny seemed to be very happy with him. It is his first time over fences and Down Royal is a big jumping test as well for a novice. Hopefully, he will be able to get another couple on the board after that.”

Asked if the seven-year-old could return to graded company over fences, she said: “Hopefully so. Obviously, in his past he is a high-class performer in his own right. Hopefully he can continue to go on and continue to be that in the future in this new discipline, once it looks like it has reignited a bit of a spark in him and hopefully it will keep alight.”

Nastya and Rachael Blackmore after winning at Down Royal (Michael Graham/PA)

Nastya looked a nice prospect for Henry de Bromhead when romping home by 25 lengths in the Giddyup And Switch To Fibrus Mares Maiden Hurdle under Rachael Blackmore.

The six-year-old was sent off as the 8-13 favourite on the back of two promising placed efforts.

She finished third behind stablemate and subsequent Cheltenham Festival winner Air Of Entitlement over the same course and distance on Boxing Day before chasing home the Willie Mullins-trained Sainte Tartare at Limerick.

Blackmore said: “It was straightforward. A mistake at the last, but very good everywhere else.

“She had a nice run the last day and a lovely run up here behind Air Of Entitlement at Christmas – lovely form coming into the race and built on that today.”

Super six-timer sparks Monday celebrations for Elliott

17 March 2025/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Gordon Elliott put his difficult Cheltenham week behind him and celebrated St Patrick’s Day with an across-the-card six-timer at Down Royal and Wexford.

Elliott had to wait until the final race of the Festival to get off the mark when Wodhooh was successful in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

He had no such trouble at Wexford though, as Speculatrix (11-4) was his first winner of the day in the Wexford Mares Maiden Hurdle under Jordan Gainford.

Assistant trainer Ian “Busty” Almond said: “Speculatrix was unlucky a couple of days where she had races won and ended up on the ground. She jumped well today and has just been unlucky.”

With Jack Kennedy taking some time to recuperate having rushed back for Cheltenham, Danny Gilligan, who enjoyed a Cheltenham double on Wodhooh and Jazzy Matty, was the beneficiary.

Timmy Tuesday (9-4 favourite) was a relatively easy winner of the Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series At Punchestown Festival 2025 Qualifier Novice Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.

“Timmy Tuesday has a little bit of a mind of his own but put his best foot forward today and didn’t do a whole pile wrong. He had plenty of weight on his back, but he put in a lovely round of jumping,” said Gilligan, who quickly doubled up on Cher Tara (7-1) in the Powered By Bluegrass Handicap Hurdle.

Favori De Champdou (5-6 favourite) then proved a class apart in the feature Bluegrass Stamm 30 Chase, beating stablemate Jumping Jet.

“Hopefully he’ll go back into the bigger handicaps now and, with a bit of luck, should pick up one or two of them,” said Gilligan of the winner.

The jockey then made it four on the day for himself with Elliott’s Lightkeeper (3-1) in the Bluegrass Horse Feed Rated Novice Chase.

The trainer’s final winner came in the Wexford bumper when 6-5 favourite Theflyingking just held off Thedeviluno in the hands of Harry Swan.

Found A Fifty gives weight and a beating to Down Royal rivals

2 November 2024/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Found A Fifty produced a determined display to see off the race-fit Pinkerton and land the Grade Two Bottlegreen Ladies Day 2024 Chase at Down Royal.

Gordon Elliott’s charge was a top-class novice last term, securing Grade One victories at Leopardstown and Aintree and finishing second to Gaelic Warrior in the Arkle at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old made a successful reappearance by keeping on well for Sam Ewing to score by two and a quarter lengths from Galway Plate winner Pinkerton, who had run on the Flat 10 days earlier and was receiving a stone from the 11-10 favourite.

Two-time Grade 1 winner and Arkle runner-up Found A Fifty concedes a stone to a race-fit Pinkerton to land Grade 2 honours at @Downroyal 💪 @gelliott_racing pic.twitter.com/0AbElzrRpJ

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 2, 2024

Elliott said: “It was a good performance. He (Ewing) said he had a nice blow, and he was giving a stone to the second horse.

“He is probably not going to be the easiest horse in the world to place, but a good horse.

“You’d have to think something like the John Durkan. He could go up in trip, or you could take him back to two miles the way he jumps.”

Romeo Coolio, runner-up in last season’s Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, obliged like a 2-13 shot should when hacking up by 18 lengths in the Tayto Group Maiden Hurdle for Elliott and Ewing.

Elliott said: “He’s a speedy horse and I’m delighted with him. He’s a real two-miler, a quick horse. He’ll definitely stay at two miles.

Ladbrokes Festival of Racing 2024 – Day Two – Down Royal — Romeo Coolio ridden by Sam Ewing clears the last at Down Royal (Brian Lawless/PA).

“I think he was almost foot-perfect – even down to the last, he got in close to it and quick away from it. A great performance, he jumped class.

“He’s a lot stronger – even watching him walking around the ring, there is a big improvement in him today. Last year, he was light.

“I imagine the Royal Bond will be where he goes, all being well.”

Paddy Power and Betfair kept Romeo Coolio’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle price at 14-1.

Elliott was also successful in the Eventsec Handicap Hurdle with 4-1 chance Kala Conti, partnered by 7lb claimer Carl Millar. A Grade Two winner as a juvenile last term, he could now be aimed at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Although out of luck with Gerri Colombe, the Cullentra House handler completed another good day at Down Royal when Classical Creek obliged in the Ladbrokes (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race as a 2-9 favourite.

Joseph O’Brien’s Prairie Angel justified 11-10 favouritism when following up a couple of Flat wins last month with a straightforward success in the Lisburn And Castlereagh City Council 3-Y-O Hurdle to make it two out of two over timber.

Winning jockey Danny Mullins was deputising for the injured J J Slevin and said: “It is unfortunate, I’ve been on that side of the fence before and I’m just lucky that Joseph has plenty of these types that are going to pick up a lot of these races, and it was nice to get the ride.

“This one is going the right way – probably still a fraction raw today. She is going to improve as a hurdler again.”

Envoi Allen back in Grade One winner’s enclosure

2 November 2024/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Envoi Allen got the better of a late battle with Hewick to reclaim the Ladbrokes Champion Chase trophy at Down Royal.

Henry de Bromhead’s 10-year-old took top honours in the 2022 renewal of this Grade One contest but went down by a neck when second to Gerri Colombe 12 months ago.

This time, Gerri Colombe was in front early on but King George hero Hewick then took over at the head of affairs passing the stands for the first time.

Envoi Allen strikes from the oh-so brave Hewick in a thrilling Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase! @Downroyal @HenrydeBromhead | @CPStudOfficial pic.twitter.com/jhSyGiXhJz

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 2, 2024

Jordan Gainford put pressure on those in behind by gradually upping the tempo, producing a series of fine jumps, with favourite Gerri Colombe among those to be found wanting as he dropped away turning for home.

However, Darragh O’Keeffe – standing in for the sidelined Rachael Blackmore – had not panicked on Envoi Allen and he came through to challenge two out before staying on strongly to score by half a length at 3-1.

Envoi Allen is 12-1 from 20-1 with Coral for the Ryanair Chase, while Hewick is 12-1 from 16-1 for the King George.

A delighted De Bromhead said: “It was brilliant and he is just a class horse. Everyone at home has done such a great job.

Henry de Bromhead and jockey Darragh O’Keeffe after Envoi Allen won the Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Brian Lawless/PA)

“Obviously, it is a shame for Rachael, but delighted for Darragh, he gave him a super ride and he has really stepped up. Fair play to him, he is taking his opportunities.

“Cheveley Park (Stud, owners) are tremendous supporters of ours and the game, so delighted for them as well.”

When asked if this could have been the best performance of his three runs in this race, De Bromhead said: “Possibly, fair point. He was brilliant and jumped great. He travelled so well.

“Probably better ground than last year I would have said as well. That would have helped us.

“I thought when we got under the last, we were going to get done again, but he battled really well.

“I must say I thought Darragh was brilliant on him.”

Darragh O’Keeffe with Envoi Allen (Brian Lawless/PA)

On future plans, De Bromhead said: “He’s 10 now, so we’ll see.

“That King George keeps coming back into my head, I feel we have unfinished business there.

“I need to speak to Cheveley Park and see what everyone would like to do.

“He was going to run at Christmas (in Savills Chase last year), I think the ground just went very testing in Leopardstown.”

2024 Ladbrokes Champion Chase Trends

2 November 2024/in Trends/by Andy Newton

Staged at Down Royal racecourse in Ireland this Saturday’s (2nd November 2024) Ladbrokes Champion Chase (formerly the JNwine.com Chase) always attracts some of the best chasers from both England and Ireland.

Run over 3m the Grade 1 contest has been won by greats such as Kauto Star, Beef Or Salmon, Looks Like Trouble and Florida Pearl in the past.

With top UK trainer Paul Nicholls winning 5 of the last 17 renewals then anything he sends across the Irish Sea should be respected, while the powerful Gordon Elliott camp have also saddled four of the last 9 winners.

Elliott and Nicholls are the joint-winning trainers - both with five successes.

While it's a race the Gigginstown House Stud horses have done very well in recently - they've won the race seven times since 2013.

Here at GEEGEEZ.co.uk we are on hand with all the key stats head of the 2024 renewal – this year run on Saturday 2nd November 2024

Recent Ladbrokes Champion Chase Winners

2023 - GERRI COLOMBE (4/7 fav)
2022 - ENVOI ALLEN (7/2)
2021 - FRODON (3/1)
2020 - THE STORYTELLER (9/2)
2019 – ROAD TO RESPECT (5/2)
2018 – ROAD TO RESPECT (6/4 fav)
2017 – OUTLANDER (16/1)
2016 – VALSEUR LIDO (2/1 fav)
2015 – DON COSSACK (2/11 fav)
2014 – ROAD TO RICHES (9/2)
2013 – ROI du MEE (12/1)
2012 – KAUTO STONE (4/1)
2011 – QUITO de la ROQUE (11/4 fav)
2010 – KAUTO STAR (4/7 fav)
2009 – THE LISTENER (7/1)
2008 – KAUTO STAR (2/5 fav)
2007 – TARANIS (10/11 fav)
2006 – BEEF OR SALMON (11/4)
2005 – No Race
2004 – BEEF OR SALMON (Evs)
2003 – GLENELLY GALE (7/1)
2002 – MORE THAN A STROLL (20/1)
2001 – FOXCHAPEL KING (4/1)

Ladbrokes Champion Chase Betting Trends

20/22 – Had won at least a Grade 2 Chase before
18/22 – Had won over at least 3m over fences before
17/22 – Had won at least 5 times over fences before
16/22 – Aged 8 or older
16/22 – Returned 9/2 or shorter in the betting
15/22 – Had won a Grade 1 Chase before
14/22 – Finished 1^st or 2^nd last time out
13/22 – Winning distance 2 ½ lengths or more
12/22 – Having their first run of the season
11/22 – Had run at Down Royal before
10/22 – Winning favourites
8/22 – Won by a Gigginstown House Stud-owned horse (7 winners since 2013)
7/22 – Won their last race
6/22– Raced at Aintree last time out
5/22 – Trained by Paul Nicholls
5/22 – Trained by Gordon Elliott (4 of the last 9)
4/22 – Raced at Limerick last time out
Henry De Bromhead has won 2 of the last 7
The last 13 winners aged 9 or younger
The average winning SP in the last 10 runnings is 4/1

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Elliott has Champion Hurdle designs with Brighterdaysahead

1 November 2024/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Gordon Elliott raised the possibility of Brighterdaysahead becoming a Champion Hurdle contender after enhancing the trainer’s fine record in the Bottlegreen Hurdle at Down Royal.

The five-year-old was one of the highlights of a six-timer for the Cullentra House handler on this card 12 months ago and was sent off the 4-5 favourite this time around for the Grade Three feature on Friday afternoon.

Although a shade untidy at her obstacles in the closing stages and briefly threatened by stablemate and runner-up King Of Kingsfield, Sam Ewing’s mount did not let her supporters down, coming home with a cosy three-and-three-quarter-length advantage.

Returning to action in style 🤩

A 1-2 for @gelliott_racing in the Grade 3 Bottlegreen Hurdle @Downroyal as Brighterdaysahead prevails over stablemate King Of Kingsfield with Sam Ewing in the saddle 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/4tBL923cAL

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 1, 2024

Elliott said: “We didn’t want it turning into a sprint – we kind of thought Paul (Townend, on Daddy Long Legs) might try to stack them up in front.

“I said to Sam ‘look, go out and go a good gallop the whole way’. He said it wasn’t ideal because she was looking around in front the whole way.

“He said she had a good blow and she will come on plenty from it.

“If she had winged the last two, she would have won a couple of lengths. She is never going to win more than what she is going to, but it’s great to win.”

With connections electing to remain over timber with the Gigginstown House Stud-owned youngster, the Grade One-winning Brighterdaysahead was cut to 2-1 from 11-4 favourite with Coral for the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at next year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Gordon Elliott enjoyed a typically good day at Down Royal (Brian Lawless/PA)

However, Elliott could easily envisage Brighterdaysahead aiming even higher and possibly taking on the likes of reigning Champion Hurdler State Man and Constitution Hill later in the year.

“The Morgiana Hurdle in Punchestown is only three weeks, so it might be a bit soon. She could go two or two and a half (miles),” he continued.

“To be honest, she is good and it wouldn’t shock me if she ended up in the Champion Hurdle this mare. I think she is very good and with a fast gallop she will be better.

“We’ve been second and third in Champion Hurdles and I think this one is in the mix.”

Runner-up King Of Kingsfield is now headed for fences, with Elliott adding: “Yes, definitely. The plan was to go chasing and he missed a little bit of time, so we said we would give him a run around here and see.”

Elliott was also on the scoresheet with The Yellow Clay, who made a perfect hurdling introduction as he won the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle for the ninth time in the last 10 years.

The Yellow Clay made a perfect hurdling debut (Brian Lawless/PA)

The 4-11 favourite came home a cosy nine lengths clear of his competition and could be immediately tested at a higher level having been shortened to 16-1 by Paddy Power for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle in March.

“Sam said he never came out of a hack,” said Elliott.

“He’s a nice horse and I’d say you could bring him back in trip. I’d say anything from two to two and a half miles is what he really wants.

“I thought he jumped well in all fairness.

“We could look at Navan (Grade Three Monksfield Novice Hurdle on November 17). Noel and Valerie Moran (owners) of Bective Stud are from Navan, so they will be keen to have runners there. We definitely could be looking at that.”

There was a treble for Elliott and, for the first time, Ewing, when another of Bective Stud’s leading names, Firefox, made a foot-perfect start to his chasing career in the Mongey Communications Beginners Chase.

Firefox put in a great round of jumping (Brian Lawless/PA)

Third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival he was also placed at Aintree and Punchestown in the spring and was sent off 2-7 favourite for his first go over the larger obstacles, pushed out for a comfortable three-and-a-half-length victory.

Elliott said: “I think he’s good, he’s a real two-miler and we are happy with him. I could see him coming back in trip.

“He probably learned more today than any novice chase. Sam said he just gave him a squeeze coming down the hill and he picked up. He said he had a good blow after the last.

“He was very good and he always jumped a hurdle like he wanted a fence.”

There was even more to shout about for Elliott who registered his fourth win of the afternoon with 8-15 favourite Jacob’s Ladder in the Ladbrokes INH Flat Race.

Elliott looking forward to another good campaign with Gerri Colombe

1 November 2024/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Gerri Colombe returns to Down Royal on Saturday to defend his Ladbrokes Champion Chase crown, a race Gordon Elliott has a fine record in.

The eight-year-old edged out Henry de Bromhead’s 2022 champion and reopposing Envoi Allen when landing this contest 12 months ago and would go on to finish second to Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown at Christmas and in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, before ending the season on a high at Aintree.

He makes his reappearance as the one to beat in the Grade One event, with victory taking Elliott past Paul Nicholls as the race’s most successful trainer.

Elliott said: “He’s going to come on again (from the run) – the same as last year – but he is in good form and we are happy with him.

“I think Gerri is actually better on that type of ground (good to yielding) so, once it is safe, we will be happy. It looks like they have a lovely cover of grass on it.

“You are always nervous with those horses and you want the ground to be as safe as it can be, but I don’t think he is as much of a mudlark as everyone thinks.”

Elliott will also be represented by Grand National runner-up Delta Work, while Gavin Cromwell will saddle Visionarian after his recent success in the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran.

The five-strong line-up is completed by John ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s King George hero Hewick, with the handler hoping to take advantage of good ground at the Lisburn venue before a possible tilt at Haydock’s Betfair Chase later this month.

Hanlon said: “He’s in great form and he did a piece of work the other day on the Curragh that makes me very happy with him, I just hope they don’t over-water the ground. The ground up there is nice at the moment. He loves good ground and hopefully it will be that.

“I was very happy with his comeback at Punchestown and he will improve a lot from that. He was only back in eight or nine weeks before that run and blew up, but I think it will leave him spot on.

“My plan if the ground stays dry is to head to Haydock after this.”

The other graded action on the card sees Elliott go for a third straight win in the Bottlegreen Ladies Day 2024 Chase with Found A Fifty.

The Cullentra House handler has won the Grade Two contest four times in total and this year’s contender sets the standard on his Arkle second and Grade One win at Aintree in the spring.

Noel Meade won this in consecutive years with Disko (2017) and Snow Falcon (2018) and saddles what appears Found A Fifty’s biggest danger in the improving Galway Plate winner Pinkerton.

Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal

31 October 2024/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

All eyes will be on Brighterdaysahead when she kicks off her campaign in the Bottlegreen Hurdle at Down Royal on Friday.

The Gordon Elliott-trained mare, who is owned by Gigginstown House Stud, has an almost flawless record from the bumper and novice hurdling phases of her career.

Unbeaten in National Hunt Flat races, she embarked on a novice hurdling campaign last season and was beaten only once in five outings.

That defeat came at the Cheltenham Festival in the Ryanair Mares’ Novice Hurdle when Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace got the better of her by a length and three-quarters, but Brighterdaysahead regained the winning thread next time out in the Grade One Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

A novice chasing career was considered rather than a season in the open hurdling division, but ultimately connections chose to plump for the latter and her term gets under way at Grade Three level.

“She’s been very well, we’ll start off and hopefully she’s lucky,” said Gigginstown’s Eddie O’Leary.

“We think she’s a very good mare, we’re ready to start with her and hope she runs well.

“We’ll not think beyond tomorrow, we’ve got to get that out of the way and hope she stays lucky. It will be one step at a time.”

Also involved are stablemate King Of Kingsfield and Willie Mullins’ Daddy Long legs, with Andrew Slattery’s Smooth Tom, Michael Millar’s Breagagh and Peter Fahey’s Miss Fourie the others in contention.

On the same card there is further Grade Three action in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle, in which Elliott runs Speculatrix and Henry de Bromhead is represented by Mystical Goddess.

Brighterdaysahead to take hurdles route this term

22 October 2024/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Gordon Elliott’s star mare Brighterdaysahead will remain over hurdles this season.

The five-year-old was a beaten odds-on favourite in the mares’ novices’ hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, but gained ample compensation when bolting up at Aintree against the boys in Grade One company.

Elliott and owner Gigginstown House Stud had been giving serious consideration to sending her over fences, but have now opted to remain over the smaller obstacles this term.

“We strongly considered sending her novice chasing, but the decision is made, and she’ll stay hurdling,” Elliott said, in a stable tour on www.attheraces.com.

“She’ll start back in the Jezki Hurdle at Down Royal on November 1. She looks to be an obvious candidate for the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in the longer term.

“We’ve never hidden how highly we regard her, and we can’t wait to get her back on the track. We think the world of her.”

Elliott also had news on his Stayers’ Hurdle winner Teahupoo, who will start off in the Hatton’s Grace and then be kept fresh for Cheltenham, while Gerri Colombe will follow the same route as last season, beginning in the Down Royal Champion Chase.

Gerri Colombe set for return to Down Royal next month

17 October 2024/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Gerri Colombe is on course to make his reappearance in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Gordon Elliott’s star chaser made a successful start to last season in Northern Ireland before going on to finish second to Galopin Des Champs in Leopardstown’s Savills Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The eight-year-old rounded off his campaign with victory in the Aintree Bowl and following a summer break, he will head back to Down Royal on November 2 alongside stablemate Conflated, who unseated Jack Kennedy at the first fence in the BetVictor Chase at Punchestown on Wednesday.

🏇Last year’s champion Gerri Colombe amongst the early entries for the @Ladbrokes Grade 1 Champion Chase👑

🖥️ Full entries can be seen at –https://t.co/nyqyEb7jdT🎟️ Tickets available https://t.co/7XjxmmbA53 pic.twitter.com/I42BYGDICf

— Down Royal Racecourse (@Downroyal) October 10, 2024

“Gerri Colombe and Conflated will both run and I’ll probably run three or four,” said Elliott.

“Gerri Colombe is at a similar stage to last year. He’s in good nick and ready to start, but there will be plenty of improvement in him.

“He’s a very unassuming horse who doesn’t show much at home, but they’re the ones that you want.”

The Cullentra handler hopes Gerri Colombe can take his game to another level this term ahead of a likely rematch with Galopin Des Champs further down the line.

He added: “He was only beaten a couple of lengths in the Gold Cup last season. The best horse won on the day, so there was no excuse, but I do think we could have been a bit closer, as the loose horse didn’t help us coming down the hill.

“If he improves a bit from last season to this season, you never know – we are in the mix.

“He is a very honest horse, he’s not the quickest in the world and he always takes a run to improve, but he’s a good horse.

“We’ll need a bit of rain (at Down Royal), but there is some forecast this week, so we should be all right.”

Down Royal five-timer on a spectacular weekend for Gordon Elliott

11 November 2023/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Gordon Elliott enjoyed another good day at the office as the trainer claimed the first five races at Down Royal.

Elliott arrived on a high having sent out six winners at the track on Friday and he picked up where he left off in the opening Lisburn And Castlereagh City Council 3-Y-O Hurdle, with Jack Kennedy and 1-4 favourite Wodhooh hitting the target.

The filly is a former Flat performer and has won twice over hurdles since joining Elliott from Sir Michael Stoute, with this success likely to lead to a step up in grade.

Elliott said: “She’s tough and he (Kennedy) said it probably would have suited more if they had gone faster. He said he was kind of on his own in front and she was looking around her.

“She’s tough, she has won three now and she hasn’t done anything wrong.

👀 One to watch

🐎 The @gelliott_racing trained Wodhooh has taken to her new career venture over hurdles impressively in the @paddypower 3-Y-O Hurdle under @jackkennedy15 @punchestownrace pic.twitter.com/yfAjYYzpMK

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 10, 2023

“She will probably go to Newbury now for the Listed hurdle on December 2.”

Next was the turn of Down Memory Lane, a JP McManus-owned five-year-old who had a point-to-point and a bumper victory under his belt as he came into his hurdles debut the 2-7 favourite.

Under Derek O’Connor, the gelding won by three lengths despite a less than fluent jump at the last in the Tayto Group Maiden Hurdle.

“Derek was very happy but it wasn’t a wonderful race on paper, so you would be disappointed if he didn’t do that. I liked what I saw there,” Elliott said.

“We’ll get him home and see how he is and make a plan, I think we’ll stick to two miles at the moment.

✨Derby Sale, Consistently the Best✨⁰A hugely impressive performance by Down Memory Lane to win the Maiden Hurdle @Downroyal for @gelliott_racing JP McManus & @DerekOConnor82 ⁰Sold by Responder Stud to @Doyle_Racing for €75,000. Also sold as a foal by @BallincurrigHse. pic.twitter.com/5X7F7nFRTB

— Tattersalls Ireland (@Tattersalls_ie) November 11, 2023

“He has loads of boot and Derek seemed to be fairly happy, and he doesn’t say much, so he looks a good one.”

The Listed Haslem Hotel Handicap Hurdle was then won by Magic Tricks and Carl Millar, a two-length triumph at odds of 5-1.

“Carl gave him a nice ride, he’s got a chance this young lad. He’s with us a couple of years and he has waited his turn and is working hard,” Elliott said.

“He was riding ponies around Dublin two years ago and has come on a long way. He’s going to get plenty of chances. In fairness, he did exactly what we told him to do.

“He (Magic Tricks) has had a few problems, but it is great to do that. Cheekpieces might have helped him today.

Magic Tricks and Carl Millar took the Listed handicap hurdle @Downroyal to bring up a treble for Gordon Elliott pic.twitter.com/8lGu0zOZIJ

— Irishracing.com Live (@IrishRacing365) November 11, 2023

“If he didn’t win today, I was going to go chasing with him, but I don’t know now – we’ll see.”

Gerri Colombe obliged in the feature Ladbrokes Champion Chase, after which Elliott scored for a final time on the card as Kennedy and Ash Tree Meadow won a two-runner renewal of the Grade Two racingtv.com/freetrial Chase as the 8-15 favourite.

“We didn’t put him in the John Durkan. We will probably give him a break now as he has been in all summer and we will train him back for some of the Grand Nationals next year,” Elliott said.

“I could run him in the Grand National (at Aintree) in the spring. We were going to go to the American Grand National with him, but he is a French-bred and couldn’t go with his bloods.”

Elliott also sent out two winners at Gowran, taking his tally over the two days to 13.

He added: “A great day but, as I said before, I am very lucky with the horses I have and all the staff. I’m delighted for all the owners too.”

Gerri Colombe edges out Envoi Allen in Champion Chase thriller

11 November 2023/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Gerri Colombe galloped to a dogged success in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Gordon Elliott’s gelding was one of a top-class field of four contesting the Grade One, with Elliott and Henry de Bromhead each responsible for two horses.

The quartet travelled as a group for much of the race and turning for home any one of them could have gone on to win, though Minella Indo was the first to fold and Gerri Colombe switched sharply from one side of the track to the other.

Conflated and Envoi Allen were left to jump the last in unison and it looked as though the latter horse may have the advantage, but Gerri Colombe was steadily gaining ground on the outside and just got his head in front to prevail under Jack Kennedy as the 4-7 favourite.

Elliott said: “We were delighted with him – we knew there would be improvement in him today, his first run in open company.

What a race!

Gerri Colombe won't be denied in the feature Grade 1 @Ladbrokes Champion Chase as the seven-year-old rallies after the last to get up in the shadows of post and deny Conflated and Envoi Allen for the @gelliott_racing and @jackkennedy15 combination 🏆 pic.twitter.com/7vmGoS42j0

— Down Royal Racecourse (@Downroyal) November 11, 2023

“As Brian (Acheson, of owner Robcour) said, he only came back in on September 19, so there’s loads of improvement.

“We’ll have one run now and then the Gold Cup. He showed that he is in the mix now for the Gold Cup, he stays very well and that’s what you need.

“I was delighted that he settled into a rhythm, the other horse (Conflated) was going a bit left and was taking Jack’s horse’s eye off the fence a bit. I was a bit worried the whole way because Conflated does go left, but I did tell Jack to give him a bit of light and get him into a rhythm.

“Jack said he was a bit rusty early, but I thought he was pretty much foot-perfect apart from one for a novice stepping into open company. The sky is the limit.

“He’s a great horse because he shows you absolutely nothing at home – he’s very laid-back, he’s a gentleman.”

Gerri Colombe and Jack Kennedy return after landing the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Steeplechase @Downroyal – a double for the jockey and a four-timer for Gordon Elliott pic.twitter.com/N2KkJ4m3MT

— Irishracing.com Live (@IrishRacing365) November 11, 2023

Gerri Colombe has suffered just one defeat under rules, when edged out in last season’s Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Elliott added: “We were all gutted coming out of Cheltenham last year, it just didn’t happen for us on the day but, in fairness to Brian, he said ‘we will be back here in 12 months time’.

“Willie’s horse (Mullins, Galopin Des Champs) is very, very good but this horse has a great attitude and, as I said, he is only back in eight weeks. That’s why I think three miles and two furlongs is going to suit him perfectly.”

Gerri Colombe was cut from 6-1 to 5-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup with bookmakers Coral, but Acheson intends to cross that bridge when he comes to it in March.

“I thought he was beaten three or four times over,” he said.

“In March we have to come up against the best horse, I think, since Kauto Star in Galopin (Des Champs) and a lot of water under the bridge until then. He (Galopin Des Champs) is a rocket.

“Let’s try to get to March first and then we’ll worry about it.

“It’s great for your man (Elliott), he always said ‘we will be fine for Down Royal’.

“The horse is back in eight weeks and he was in Puppy (Robbie) Power’s for six weeks doing dressage and stuff like that. That horse will come on plenty from that.”

Sensational six-timer for Gordon Elliott at Down Royal

10 November 2023/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Gordon Elliott dominated on the first day of Down Royal’s big meeting, saddling six of the seven winners.

Elliott is currently leading the trainers’ championship, with jockeys’ title frontrunner Jack Kennedy enhancing his tally by riding four of the victors.

“I am lucky to be in the position I am in with the horses that I have and the staff, the owners and the jockeys,” said Elliott.

“It is not easy to do it (send out six winners on a card) – a brilliant day.”

The highlight was arguably Brighterdaysahead, who maintained her unbeaten record by winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle.

Stepped into Grade Three company after winning easily at Thurles on her debut, she was taking on much more experienced rivals.

However, she loomed up alongside Banntown Girl at the second last and while she needed to be driven out to win by four and three-quarter lengths, the 2-1 favourite will have learned plenty.

⭐️ Brighterdaysahead oozes class as she retains her unbeaten record in the G3 Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle for @gelliott_racing at @Downroyal pic.twitter.com/HYyMIUqBr7

— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) November 10, 2023

Elliott said: “It happened that quick for the first mile that she didn’t know what she was doing as they were going that fast but, once she got into her rhythm, he (Kennedy) said he was very happy with her.

“She has no experience, but she has a fair engine. She’s a proper mare and she still has a lot to learn, she is still very green. The rest of the field has two or three runs over hurdles, so I thought it was a good performance.

“No (need to go beyond two miles), but I’d say she will be better when she goes (further). I’d say she is a mare that could definitely step up in trip. She hasn’t put a foot wrong so far, so she is exciting.

“She is in the Royal Bond and obviously I will talk to Michael and Eddie (O’Leary of Gigginstown House Stud) and see. She has got the pace for two miles.

“I think we will keep her in her own category (mares) at the moment.”

Irish Point with winning connections (PA)

Irish Point (5-6 favourite) won the other feature race on the card for Elliott and Kennedy, the Bottlegreen Hurdle.

A Grade One winner at Aintree, he was giving lumps of weight to a smart mare in Magical Zoe but try as she might, she could not get by and went down by a length and three-quarters.

“We know he wants further, but he picked up and galloped. We are very happy with him,” said Elliott.

“He (Kennedy) was in the right spot and he kicked at the right time and made plenty of use of him.

“We didn’t want to make it, but we had to because there was nothing else to make it. I’d say we will definitely step him up in trip. He really stays.

“We will keep all options open, but it wouldn’t shock me if you saw him going three miles at some stage.”

The pair were also on the mark earlier on the card with Hunting Brook (5-4 favourite) in the Lough Construction Ltd. Handicap Hurdle, while Jordan Gainford took advantage of Kennedy’s fall in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle to win on stablemate Zefiro Dodville (12-1).

Found A Fifty made it five on the day for Elliott and four for Kennedy in the Eventco Marquees Ltd. Beginners Chase.

“He’s a good horse. He got very revved up last year and just blew his top, but Jack was delighted with the way he settled there,” said Elliott.

“I like the way he quickened as well down the straight, he quickened well.

“He’s in the Drinmore, but we’ll see where we go.”

Firefox (1-6 favourite) then landed the concluding Freixenet INH Flat Race under Harry Swan.

The only race to escape Elliott’s clutches was the Try Racing TV For Free Now At racingtv.com/freetrial Handicap Chase, in which he had three runners but went to Edward Cawley’s Dont Go Yet (18-1) who made all.

Brighterdaysahead highlights Elliott’s Down Royal winning spree

10 November 2023/in Horse Racing News/by Geegeez News

Brighterdaysahead enhanced her already tall reputation as she maintained her unbeaten record by winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle at Down Royal on a day dominated by Gordon Elliott.

Stepped into Grade Three company after winning easily at Thurles on her debut, she was taking on much more experienced rivals.

Jack Kennedy was keen to give his mount room at her hurdles after she had shown a tendency to jump right at Thurles but bar a couple of minor mistakes, she was much better on this occasion.

She loomed up alongside Banntown Girl at the second last and while she needed to be driven out to win by four and three-quarter lengths, the 2-1 favourite will have learned plenty.