Gordon Elliott Exclusive Interview

We’ll begin with Clarcam – entered in both the Arkle and the Queen Mother, has a final decision been made? Was there temptation to stay away from the Arkle because of Un De Sceaux and can you see Clarcam reversing that Irish Arkle form?
He’s going for the Arkle – there was no temptation to stay away, that’s racing, but it would be very hard to see Clarcam reverse the Irish Arkle form if Un De Sceaux stands up.

Clarcam finished behind Un De Sceaux in the Irish Arkle

Don Cossack’s entered in the Ryanair,  Queen Mother & Gold Cup – will it be the Ryanair and how do you view his chances in the race?
He’s going for the Ryanair he has a great chance, he’s in the form of his life. The only comment on the opposition is that it looks very competitive.

Would you rate No More Heroes most highly among your novice hurdlers this year? How disappointed were you with his run at Leopardstown last time out? Is he heading for the Albert Bartlett?
Yes, I rate him most highly. We were disappointed but also relieved when he scoped badly after Leopardstown as it gave an explanation for the poor performance. He’s going for the Albert Bartlett.

Who in your view are some of the most underrated jockeys on the National Hunt scene?

Davy Condon and Jason Maguire

If you could train any one horse from outside your stable, what horse would it be? Likewise, if your top horses were to be trained by any other trainer in the UK or Ireland, who would you pick? 

The horse I’d most like to train would be Un De Sceaux and if I had to choose another trainer it would be David Pipe

Tiger Roll is entered in both the Champion Hurdle and World Hurdle – how would you rate his chances in each of these races?
It’s doubtful he will run in either at the moment.

Any of your horses which seem to be going unnoticed heading towards the festival? Noble Endeavor

One tip for the festival and one horse to follow for next season? Noble Endevor would be my tip for the festival and Whistle Dixie to follow next season.

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"Tip for the festival" Noble Endeavour is currently 25/1 for the Coral Cup and 16/1 for the Martin Pipe Conditional Handicap Hurdle with Bet365. If you don't already have an account, open one here to avail of their special offers and free bets in the run-up to and throughout the Cheltenham festival!