Gordon Elliott Talks Racing And Horses To Follow

Based in Cullentra House Stables Ireland, Gordon started his career as an amateur jockey at 16 years-old. By all accounts, he was pretty decent with, 46 winners in total including the Punchestown Bumper in 1998 on King’s Road. 

In 2005, Gordon hung up his boots and started his new career training thoroughbred horses. What an impact he has made since those formative years. Silver Birch put Elliott into the spotlight winning the 2007 Grand National. He purchased Silver Birch from Paul Nicholls in 2006 and five starts later he was the youngest trainer to win the famous Aintree Grand National Steeplechase. Silver Birch, a 33/1 shot, hung on to win by less than one length from the staying on Mckelvey. 

Elliott didn't just stick to the National Hunt racing - he landed the Ebor Handicap at York in 2010 when Dirar stayed on strongly to beat Rosika at odds of 14/1 with jockey Jamie Spencer in the hot seat. 

The winners never stopped with some brilliant horses over the years including Chicago Grey who won the Cheltenham National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup in 2011 and, of course, who could forget the one and only Don Cossack taking the 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

I have saved the best till last. Tiger Roll has captured the heart of every racing fan around the world. Even though he is a small horse, he has the heart of a Lion (or should I say Tiger). Bought by Gigginstown Stud in 2014 and placed in Gordon Elliott's care he went from strength to strength winning four times over the years at the Cheltenham Festival including the Triumph Hurdle and the Cross Country Chase. 

As we know, he went on to become the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in 1974 to win back to back Grand Nationals in 2018 and 2019. It would be amazing if he could do the treble next year but I for one just want him back home safe and sound.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH GORDON ELLIOTT. 

You have been involved in the racing game since an early age, what was your first memory?

Going point to pointing with my uncles from an early age. 

What's your favourite part about training horses? 

Training big winners. 

You became the youngest ever trainer to win the Grand National in 2007 with Silver Birch, that's some achievement. How did it feel and how long did the party go on that night? 

It was an unbelievable feeling, hard to put into words. The party continued for weeks not just the night. 

Favourite racecourse Cheltenham or Aintree and why? 

Aintree as it is more relaxed and it has been a lucky place for me. 

What would you do if you weren't training horses? 

A bloodstock agent. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Watch Home and Away. 

How is the fans' favourite horse Tiger Roll? 

He is in great form and just starting back to his work. 

If you could train any other horse in history who would it be?

I would love to have trained Red Rum. 

Other than Tiger Roll which other horse gets you excited for this season? 

Envoi Allen.

Who is your Novice Hurdler and Chaser to follow this season? 

Malone Road – Novice Hurdler & Felix Desjy – Novice Chaser. 

A big thanks for Gordon Elliott and his team Alex and Pip for making this happen. Visit his Gordon Elliott's website.