Gordon Elliott Reflects on a Decade Since Gold Cup Glory
In an office brimming with racing memorabilia, trainer Gordon Elliott surveys a collection that tells the story of a remarkable career. Trophies crowd every shelf, while framed saddlecloths from Grand National winners Tiger Roll and Silver Birch adorn the walls. Yet, one significant prize is conspicuously absent from this display.
The Missing Gold Cup
"The good ones are in my house!" Elliott reveals with a broad smile. "The Gold Cup is in the kitchen! I'll look at it every morning and afternoon; when I have my dinner, before I go to bed!" It has been ten years since Don Cossack's triumphant victory at Cheltenham, securing jump racing's most coveted prize. "I can't believe it's 10 years," he reflects. "I look at pictures now compared to then, I've a few more grey hairs and a couple of extra holes on my belt!"
Elliott acknowledges the journey since that pinnacle moment. "We've had a lot of good and bad days since then but that was a day we will never forget." While the trophies serve as decorative reminders, their significance has grown. "The trophies are nice to have around…they decorate the place! It's what it's all about. I never used to think about them much when I was younger but I'm starting to appreciate it much more."
A Resurgent Season Ahead of Cheltenham
Currently enjoying an outstanding season, Elliott is sending out winners in abundance, amassing silverware that strains the shelves of his Cullentra House base. With the Cheltenham Festival just four weeks away, he prepares to unleash a formidable equine squad brimming with potential.
This resurgence follows a challenging period after a 2021 incident, where a photograph of Elliott sitting on a deceased horse named Morgan threatened his career. "I think the best (stable) we had was in 2017 but we are just getting back to where we were," he states. "It took us a long time to rebuild and that is what we are trying to do." Emphasising resilience, he adds: "We are all big boys; we have got to keep our heads up and keep on going forward."
Reflecting on the current campaign, Elliott notes: "Look at this season —everything is bouncing right for us. When it's hard, you don't give up. That's what makes it better when you do win. In this game, you take nothing for granted. Let's hope we go (to Cheltenham) and get on the board."
Two Decades of Training Excellence
June will mark twenty years since Arresting, ridden by Richard Johnson, secured Elliott's first winner at Perth. From those humble beginnings, he has surpassed his mentor Martin Pipe's Cheltenham victory tally, with 41 wins to Pipe's 34. Pipe's influence remains evident in Elliott's approach, from maximising horse fitness to swiftly moving past setbacks.
This philosophy drives Elliott's annual pursuit of the handicap race named in Pipe's honour, which concludes the Festival. Last year's victory with Wodhooh provided a crucial bright spot during a testing week. "It was hard for me but it was even harder for my staff," Elliott recalls. "The horses ran brilliant. We had a couple of seconds, we were placed in a lot of the big races and we just didn't get the bounce of the ball."
He draws a parallel across sports: "In racing, soccer, tennis, whatever, it's sport and if it doesn't bounce your way, what do you do?" The answer, unequivocally, is to persevere.
Pre-Festival Preparations and Social Media
As Cheltenham approaches, Elliott attempts to unwind by rewatching Homeland on Netflix, though distraction proves inevitable. "You can't help it, can you?" he admits, acknowledging the pull of social media and racing news. However, the morning's tranquility at his County Meath stables, punctuated by the thunder of hooves from thirty Cheltenham-bound horses, offers respite.
Leading the charge is Brighterdaysahead, targeting the Champion Hurdle after a commanding win at the Dublin Racing Festival. Owner Michael O'Leary is set for a rare trackside appearance on opening day, with Elliott hopeful for improved fortune. "After she ran at Punchestown last May, we found something and rectified it," he explains. "I've watched last year's race back and, as far as I am concerned, she was beaten after a hurdle. We'll try something different. We might even stable her outside Cheltenham."
Key Contenders for Cheltenham
Elliott outlines prospects for several stable stars:
- El Cairo (Supreme Novices Hurdle, March 10): "He’s very fast and works very well. He’s not very big but the race will suit him. We are looking forward to him."
- Romeo Coolio (Arkle Novices Chase, March 10): "This lad will run in a Gold Cup one day. If he’s within touching distance when they come around the corner, you know he will come home strong."
- Teahupoo (Stayers Hurdle, March 12): "He’s getting a bit older and, like all of us, he holds on to his condition a little more! But he is a warrior and knows his way around Cheltenham."
Focus on Personal Success Amid External Chatter
While speculation swirls around Constitution Hill's potential Champion Hurdle participation, Elliott maintains a singular focus. "I don't think he'll learn any more than Nicky will already know," he remarks regarding the horse's planned flat run. "If he runs, it will make the Champion an even better race. The horse has been unlucky. I'm not having it that he's a bad jumper. Nicky Henderson is a master trainer: whatever he does will be right for his horse."
Ultimately, Elliott's attention remains fixed on his own team. "I'll just worry about my own horses. We are looking forward to Cheltenham." He underscores the necessity of innovation in training: "You're always looking to do something different, to find the little details. If you don't try and tweak things, if you aren't prepared to change, you shouldn't be training racehorses. That's my thought."
